The aroma of freshly baked Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible not to smile. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake bursting with sweet banana goodness and topped with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting that dances on your taste buds. no bake lemon pie banana cake with curd It’s like a party in your mouth where bananas and lemons are the star attractions. orange sweet rolls recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong><strong>Tips</strong></strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?
- How can I make my frosting less sweet?
- Can I freeze banana cake with frosting?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dessert brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. I remember the first time I made this cake for my friend’s birthday. The look on their face as they took that first bite was priceless. Perfect for any occasion, this Banana Cake will leave everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers.
- The flavor balance between sweet banana and zesty lemon creates a unique taste experience.
- Visually, the vibrant yellow frosting atop the golden cake is sure to impress at any gathering.
- Versatile enough to serve at birthdays, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon treat with coffee.
I once made this cake for my neighbor’s barbecue, and it vanished faster than you can say “banana split.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness; they should have brown spots for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly; sift it for lighter texture if desired.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for added depth of flavor. cinnamon sugar donut bread.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh; this leavening agent ensures your cake rises nicely.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature to help bind the ingredients together smoothly.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich texture; be sure to let it sit out beforehand.
- Lemon Zest: Fresh zest brightens up the frosting; avoid dried zest for authenticity.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese makes the frosting creamy and rich; let it soften before using.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetener gives the frosting its smooth consistency; sift it to eliminate lumps.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances overall flavor; skip imitation vanilla if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a mixing bowl, mash 3-4 ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your cake will be.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Bake the Cakes!: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: While cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest until creamy. Adjust sweetness based on your preference!
Frost That Cake!: Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread lemon cream cheese frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides.
Now you’ve transformed simple ingredients into an extraordinary Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting that will wow family and friends alike! Enjoy every sweet bite! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring a deliciously moist cake. I learned this the hard way after using slightly green bananas once – the cake was a sad, dry mess.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese frosting: The tangy flavor of lemon cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. I once tried buttercream, and it felt like sweet overload – lesson learned!
- Chill before serving: Chilling the cake enhances flavors and improves sliceability. I’ve served warm cakes before, and they crumbled all over the place – not cute for Instagram.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your dry ingredients first, then blend in wet ingredients for an even batter. Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture. You can also swap lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, let it come to room temperature before serving again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always sift your flour before measuring; it ensures accuracy and lightens your batter.
- Avoid overmixing once you add wet ingredients to keep your cake fluffy.
- Lastly, use high-quality cream cheese for frosting that’s smooth and rich.
I remember baking this cake for my best friend’s birthday; her delighted reaction made me realize how much joy good food brings to life.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well but ensure they are well-drained before use.
How can I make my frosting less sweet?
Add more cream cheese or a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness effectively.
Can I freeze banana cake with frosting?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing for freshness.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful fusion of moist banana cake and zesty lemon frosting that brightens up any occasion. This easy-to-make dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a taste sensation that will leave your guests wanting more. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply as a sweet afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 3–4 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, prepare frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest until creamy.
- Once cakes are cool, layer them on a serving plate with frosting in between layers and on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg