Short Description
This Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Moist and Tender Texture: The inclusion of sour cream ensures a soft and moist crumb.
-
Rich Banana Flavor: Using ripe bananas imparts a deep, natural sweetness.
-
Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
-
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, it’s easy to prepare.
-
Versatile Presentation: Suitable for both sheet cakes and layered cakes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
-
1½ cups granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup full-fat sour cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
-
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened (for frosting)
-
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
3 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Prepare Batter:
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
Mix in sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Fold in the mashed bananas.
-
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
-
Prepare Frosting:
-
In a medium bowl, beat together ½ cup butter and cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well.
-
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
-
Add heavy whipping cream and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
-
-
Frost Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: Approximately 12 servings
-
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
-
Baking Time: 25–35 minutes
-
Cooling Time: 1 hour
-
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Variations
-
Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
-
Spiced Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
-
Layered Cake: Divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans for a layered presentation.
-
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Storage/Reheating
-
Refrigeration: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
-
Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
-
Reheating: Serve at room temperature. If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, but full-fat sour cream provides a richer texture and flavor.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Frost on the day of serving.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate the cake if not consumed within a few hours.
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, a buttercream or chocolate frosting can be used, but cream cheese frosting complements the banana flavor well.
How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
Ensure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to a denser texture.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Certainly. Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream in the frosting?
Milk can be used, but start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes, divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Conclusion
This Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tanginess of cream cheese frosting. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for many. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as an everyday treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Print
Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese Frosted Banana Cake is ultra-moist and rich, with ripe bananas and a tangy, luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect banana dessert for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party or just indulging your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cake:
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
-
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup full-fat sour cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
-
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
3-4 cups powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla.
-
Combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually mix into the creamed mixture.
-
Stir in the mashed bananas until just blended.
-
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
-
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
-
For the frosting, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
-
Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached, then mix in vanilla extract.
-
Frost cooled cake and serve.
Notes
-
For an extra banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
-
You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture.
-
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *