Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Cake is the ultimate dessert mashup that combines the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the decadence of a cake. Topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that’s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or just because you have extra bananas lying around.

History of Banana Bread Cake

Banana bread originated during the Great Depression when frugality inspired bakers to make use of overripe bananas. Over time, the classic banana bread evolved into various forms, including this luscious Banana Bread Cake. The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates it into a dessert worthy of any table.

Benefits of Banana Bread Cake

  1. Bananas: Rich in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and dietary fiber.
  2. Balanced Sweetness: The natural sugars in bananas reduce the need for added sugar.
  3. Mood Booster: Carbohydrates from the cake can increase serotonin levels.
  4. Versatile: Can be made into cupcakes or layered cakes.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar as a substitute)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Bananas: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

For the Frosting:

  1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

Assembly:

  1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
  2. Optional: Decorate with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel.

Methods

  1. Ripening Bananas Quickly: Place bananas in a brown paper bag to speed up the ripening process.
  2. Making Buttermilk Substitute: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Perfect Frosting Texture: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a silky-smooth frosting.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g

Formation of Flavors

The sweetness of ripe bananas balances the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting, creating a harmony of flavors. The soft crumb of the cake contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting for a luxurious bite every time.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a versatile dessert that delights banana lovers while offering a nostalgic nod to the comfort of traditional banana bread. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a showstopper dessert, this cake is bound to bring joy to any gathering.

For the Banana Lovers

This recipe is dedicated to everyone who appreciates the humble banana, turning it into something extraordinary. It’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence!

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