Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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### **Instructions for Making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Cake**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or yogurt). The batter will be thick, which is perfect for a moist cake.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting**
1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired) and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
4. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more powdered sugar.

#### **Step 3: Assemble the Cake**
1. Once the banana bread cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Optional: For added flair, top the cake with fresh banana slices, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **Serve as Dessert:** This cake is perfect for dessert after a family dinner or as a sweet treat for guests. It’s rich and flavorful but not overly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser.
– **Pair with Coffee or Tea:** A slice of this banana bread cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for afternoon snacks or gatherings.
– **Celebrate with a Special Occasion:** Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simple celebration, this cake’s moist texture and creamy frosting make it the perfect dessert to enjoy with loved ones.

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### **Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting**

– **Use Overripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
– **Add Chocolate Chips:** For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a chocolatey contrast to the banana flavor.
– **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for a light, fluffy texture.
– **Adjust the Frosting:** If you like a thicker layer of frosting, feel free to double the frosting ingredients or keep it lighter with a thinner layer.

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### **Storing Leftovers**

– **Refrigeration:** Store any leftover banana bread cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
– **Freezing:** If you have leftovers or want to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge and frost it before serving.

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### **Final Thoughts**

**Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting** is the perfect dessert for banana bread lovers who want a fun twist on the classic. The moist and flavorful banana cake is elevated by the rich, creamy frosting, creating a dessert that is indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re enjoying it with your family, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this cake will become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab those ripe bananas, whip up this delicious cake, and enjoy a slice of pure happiness!