- Cream cheese (8 ounces, or 226 grams) - softened
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, or 100 grams)
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, or 57 grams) - softened
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, or 5 milliliters)
- Peanut butter (2 tablespoons, or 30 grams)
Use these ingredients to craft a delicious chocolate banana cake topped with a rich peanut butter cream cheese frosting. Don't forget to mention keywords such as "organic bananas," "peanut butter cream cheese frosting," and "dark chocolate chips" in your recipe for better SEO optimization.
This recipe for a decadent chocolate banana cake with a creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting is perfect for any occasion! It combines the moist texture of bananas with rich, velvety chocolate and a sweet, nutty peanut butter frosting that takes this dessert to the next level. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just enjoying a slice after dinner.
**Ingredients:**
#### For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
#### For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. **Mash Bananas:** Peel and mash three ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until smooth.
4. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next.
#### Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
1. **Sift Dry Ingredients:** In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. **Gradually Fold in Dry Ingredients:** Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a tough cake.
#### Step 3: Bake
1. **Bake Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. **Cool Completely:** Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
#### Step 4: Prepare Frosting
1. **Cream Cheese and Butter:** In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition to ensure it's fully incorporated.
3. **Mix in Peanut Butter and Vanilla:** Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract, then adjust sweetness with a pinch of salt if needed.
#### Step 5: Frosting and Serving
1. **Frost Cake:** Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or knife.
2. **Serve:** Slice into pieces and serve immediately for best results. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, allowing them to come back to room temperature before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the banana mixture for extra flavor.
- For a vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil and use applesauce instead of eggs.
- Experiment with different types of nuts in the frosting, like almond or hazelnut, for unique tastes.
**Conclusion:**
Enjoy this rich and delicious chocolate banana cake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. It's not only a treat but also perfect to make for friends and family! This recipe is easy to follow and yields a fantastic dessert that will be cherished by everyone who tries it.
**Keywords & SEO Optimization:**
- Chocolate Banana Cake
- Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Easy Dessert Recipe
- Family-Friendly Cake
- Birthday Cake Idea
By following these detailed steps, you’ll create a delightful and impressive cake that’s sure to impress!