Banana Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Introduction
A Banana Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is an incredibly moist, flavorful dessert that is sure to become a favorite in any household. The use of ripe bananas infuses the cake with natural sweetness and moisture, while the bundt shape gives it an elegant presentation. Topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze, this cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether served at a family gathering, potluck, or as an afternoon treat, this cake will impress both in taste and appearance.
Banana bundt cakes are a wonderful way to use overripe bananas. The natural sugars in bananas caramelize while baking, resulting in a soft, tender crumb. What sets this cake apart is the creamy, sweet glaze that drapes over the cake, making every slice an indulgent treat. Let's dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
-3 cups all-purpose flour
-1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
-½ teaspoon baking powder
-½ teaspoon salt
-1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-2 cups granulated sugar
-4 large eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
-¼ cup whole milk (optional for thinning batter)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
-4 oz cream cheese, softened
-2 cups powdered sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-2-4 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Optional Garnish:
-Chopped walnuts or pecans
-Sliced bananas (for serving)
-Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar sprinkle
-Equipment Needed
-Stand mixer or hand mixer
-Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
-Whisk and spatula
-Measuring cups and spoons
-10-12 cup bundt pan
-Cooling rack
-Small saucepan (for glaze, if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
1-Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Proper preheating ensures the cake bakes evenly and gets a nice golden crust.
2-Grease the Bundt Pan: Generously grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring all crevices are covered. Lightly dust the pan with flour, then tap out the excess. This step helps the cake release smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
-Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside. Properly sifting or whisking the dry ingredients helps avoid clumps and ensures the cake rises evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
1-Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
2-Add the Eggs One at a Time: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This allows the eggs to emulsify with the butter and sugar mixture, creating a smooth batter.
3-Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Add Bananas and Sour Cream
1-Mash the Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher. Ensure they are smooth but still have some small lumps for texture.
2-Mix in the Sour Cream: Add the sour cream to the mashed bananas and stir until well blended. Sour cream gives the cake a tangy flavor while keeping it moist.
3-Combine with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the banana-sour cream mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
1-Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk (if using). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as it can result in a dense cake.
2-Check Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up. However, be cautious, as too much liquid will make the cake overly moist and heavy.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
1-Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top.
2-Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of your pan.
3-Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, gently invert the cake onto the cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
1-Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2-Add the Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
3-Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to cling to the cake but thin enough to drizzle easily.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
1-Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of the bundt cake. You can use a spoon for a casual drizzle or pour the glaze from a small pitcher for a more polished look.
2-Garnish (Optional): For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze. You can also dust the cake lightly with ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
1-Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into thick wedges and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If desired, add a slice of banana on each serving for a decorative and tasty touch.
2-Storing Leftovers: Any leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese glaze will firm up when refrigerated, so allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving again.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Bundt Cake
1-Use Ripe Bananas: The key to a flavorful banana cake is using very ripe bananas. Look for bananas that have brown spots on the peel, as they will be much sweeter and easier to mash.
2-Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, particularly the butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature. This ensures that everything mixes together smoothly and evenly.
3-Grease the Pan Well: A bundt pan's intricate design can cause cakes to stick, so be sure to grease and flour it thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use a baking spray that includes flour for easy release.
4-Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
5-Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake for doneness around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Nutritional Information
-Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one serving of this Banana Bundt Cake (based on 12 servings):
-Calories: 420-450
-Total Fat: 18g
-Saturated Fat: 10g
-Cholesterol: 90mg
-Sodium: 250mg
-Carbohydrates: 62g
-Sugars: 40g
-Protein: 6g
-This cake is rich and indulgent, so a smaller slice might be perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
Conclusion
This Banana Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is a perfect way to use ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth. Its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and decadent cream cheese glaze make it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply baking for your family,
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