Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful dessert that combines the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of cream cheese. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary.

The Humble Origins of Banana Cake

Banana cake, like many great recipes, was born out of necessity and ingenuity. Its origins can be traced back to the Great Depression era in the United States, when resourceful home cooks sought ways to use overripe bananas rather than let them go to waste. This frugal approach led to the creation of various banana-based desserts, including the beloved banana bread and our star of the day, banana cake.

The addition of cream cheese frosting elevates this humble cake to new heights, creating a perfect balance between the sweet, moist cake and the slightly tangy, creamy topping. This combination has made banana cake a staple in American baking, loved by generations for its comforting flavors and nostalgic appeal.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1½ cups (190g / 6.7 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
• 1 stick (115g / 4 oz) butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g / 5.3 oz) brown sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60g / 2.1 oz) yogurt

For the frosting:

• 6 oz (170g / 6 oz) cream cheese, cold
• ½ cup (60g / 2.1 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Detailed Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will ensure that our cake bakes evenly, developing a golden crust while maintaining a moist interior. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan thoroughly. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor throughout the cake.
3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they’re smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Add the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and yogurt to the mashed bananas. Mix these wet ingredients until they’re well combined. The yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a gentle hand and mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so it’s okay if there are a few small lumps remaining in the batter.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure it’s even. This will help the cake bake uniformly.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial to let the cake cool entirely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
8. While the cake is cooling, prepare your cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cold cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Using cold cream cheese helps achieve a firmer frosting.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. If using, add the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can create swirls or patterns in the frosting for an attractive finish.
11. Slice the cake into squares and serve. For the best flavor and texture, let the frosted cake sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As a dessert: Serve it after dinner for a comforting sweet treat.
• With coffee or tea: It makes a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon beverage.
• For breakfast: Who says you can’t have cake for breakfast? It’s got fruit in it, after all!
• As a celebration cake: Dress it up with some candles for a birthday or special occasion.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (assuming 9 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 350
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g

Please note that these are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Use overripe bananas: The blacker the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
2. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
3. Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a tough cake.
4. Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Add-ins: Feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
6. Storage: Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
7. Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

By following these instructions and tips, you’ll create a Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of sweet, spiced banana cake with the tangy cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to please any palate.

This cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a comforting reminder of home, a perfect way to use up those overripe bananas, and a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at cake-making for the first time, this recipe offers a satisfying baking experience and delicious results.

Remember, baking is both an art and a science. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or add-ins to make this recipe your own. The joy of baking lies not just in the end product, but in the process of creation and the pleasure of sharing your efforts with others.

Enjoy the process of making this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and savor every moist, creamy bite. It’s a taste of comfort and indulgence that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!