This Christmas Spiced Banana Cake is a delightful holiday dessert that brings together the warmth of seasonal spices and the sweetness of ripe bananas. Topped with a creamy frosting, fresh banana slices, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and adds a festive twist to a classic banana cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for desired consistency)
Toppings:
- 2 bananas, sliced
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- Crushed gingerbread cookies (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two, until everything is well combined.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream (if using) to achieve a spreadable consistency.
4. Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Decorate with fresh banana slices and drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive crunch.
Tips for Christmas Spiced Banana Cake:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Add Nuts: For added texture, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
FAQs About Christmas Spiced Banana Cake:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving. Just keep the unfrosted cake wrapped in plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen without the frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before frosting.
Can I use a bundt pan instead of a round cake pan?
Yes, just adjust the baking time as a bundt pan may require a few extra minutes of baking.
This Christmas Spiced Banana Cake is a festive and flavorful dessert, with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of bananas. Topped with creamy frosting, fresh bananas, and a drizzle of caramel, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether served for Christmas dinner or as a treat with coffee, this cake will bring joy to your table!