Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

Introduction

History

The origins of banana cake can be traced back to the early 20th century when bananas became widely available in the United States. The introduction of baking powder and baking soda around the same time allowed for softer, fluffier cakes. As bananas were an exotic and popular fruit, they quickly found their way into American baking, with banana bread and banana cake becoming household favorites. The addition of cream cheese icing to the banana cake is a more modern twist, adding a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the cake's moist texture and sweet banana flavor.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure your bananas are ripe or overripe; the darker the peel, the better. This guarantees a stronger banana flavor and a moister cake.

2. When mixing your batter, avoid over-mixing once you've added the flour to prevent the cake from becoming tough.

3. To ensure even baking, rotate your cake pans halfway through the baking time.

4. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.

5. For a smoother frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and margarine are at room temperature before beating them together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing as a dessert after a meal or enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea as a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each slice with a few slices of fresh banana or a sprinkle of chopped nuts before serving.

Cooking Techniques

For the best results, use the creaming method when preparing the cake batter. This involves beating the margarine and sugar together until light and fluffy before gradually adding the other ingredients. This technique helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more tender cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.

2. Use buttermilk instead of sour milk for a slightly tangier taste.

3. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

4. For a healthier option, substitute part of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. The frosting can also be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bring it to room temperature and beat it again before frosting the cake.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cake using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Garnish with fresh banana slices, a dusting of cinnamon, or edible flowers for a beautiful finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or tea. For a dessert wine pairing, choose a sweet Riesling or a Moscato d'Asti to complement the cake's sweetness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving. This cake does not require reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing contains approximately 400 calories. The majority of these calories come from the carbohydrates and fats in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, which provide the cake's structure and sweetness, respectively.

Fats

This cake is relatively high in fats, with a single serving containing about 20 grams of fat. The fats come from the margarine used in both the cake and the frosting, as well as the cream cheese in the icing. These fats contribute to the cake's moist texture and the frosting's creamy consistency.

Proteins

Each serving of Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing provides approximately 4 grams of protein. The protein sources in this recipe include the eggs in the cake batter and the cream cheese in the frosting.

Vitamins and minerals

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing offers a range of vitamins and minerals, primarily from the bananas and eggs. Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, while eggs provide vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains several common allergens, including wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this cake or seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a delicious dessert that provides energy primarily through its carbohydrate and fat content. While it does offer some vitamins and minerals, it's best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a staple of your diet.

Summary

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a timeless dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. With its moist banana-flavored cake and rich cream cheese frosting, it's sure to be a hit on any occasion. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the cake to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious treat!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. It was a hot summer day and I had just finished helping my mother with some chores around the house. As a reward, she handed me a magazine that she had picked up at the grocery store earlier that day. I flipped through the pages eagerly, my eyes scanning for any interesting recipes that caught my attention.

And then, there it was. A picture of a moist and fluffy banana cake topped with a generous layer of creamy cream cheese frosting. My mouth watered just looking at it, and I knew I had to try making it myself. The recipe seemed simple enough, with ingredients that were readily available in our kitchen. I quickly jotted down the list and made a mental note to ask my mother to buy some ripe bananas on her next trip to the market.

The following weekend, I set out to make the banana cake. I mashed the ripe bananas with a fork, their sweet and fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. I mixed the batter, adding in the eggs, sugar, and butter. As I poured the batter into the cake pan, I could already imagine how delicious it would taste once it was baked and frosted.

After baking the cake and letting it cool, I moved on to making the cream cheese icing. Cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar were all whipped together until smooth and creamy. I spread the icing over the cooled cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. The finished cake looked just like the picture in the magazine, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of pure bliss. The banana cake was incredibly moist and flavorful, with the bananas adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The cream cheese icing was the perfect complement, adding a tangy and creamy contrast to the richness of the cake. It was a match made in heaven, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I continued to make the banana cake with cream cheese icing for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a family favorite, with everyone always asking for seconds. I even shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were equally impressed with how delicious and easy it was to make.

As time went on, I started experimenting with the recipe, adding in different spices and extracts to enhance the flavors. I tried adding cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm and cozy twist, or a splash of rum for a boozy kick. Each variation was a hit, proving that this recipe was truly versatile and adaptable to different tastes.

I also learned to tweak the recipe to make it healthier, using whole wheat flour and less sugar. The banana cake still turned out just as delicious, with a nutty and wholesome flavor that was just as satisfying as the original version. It was a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty about indulging.

As I look back on all the memories that I've created with this recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the joy and happiness it has brought to my life. Baking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing this banana cake with cream cheese icing with my loved ones has been a way for me to express my love and creativity in a tangible and delicious form.

So the next time you're in the mood for a decadent and indulgent dessert, why not give this recipe a try? I guarantee that it will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart, just like it has done for me all these years. Happy baking!

Categories

| Banana Recipes | Buttermilk Recipes | Canadian Desserts | Canadian Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Sour Milk Recipes |

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