Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Icing Nz
If you are looking for a delicious dessert to serve at your next event, look no further than banana cake with cream cheese icing NZ. This classic New Zealand dessert is loved by many for its soft, moist texture and creamy, tangy frosting. In this article, we will explore the history of banana cake, the ingredients and steps to make it, and how to make the perfect cream cheese icing to top it off. Let's get started!
The History of Banana Cake
Believe it or not, banana cake has been around since the 1930s. It was a popular dessert during the Great Depression, when people were looking for ways to stretch their food budget. Bananas were a relatively cheap and readily available fruit, and they added moisture and sweetness to any baked good.
The first known recipe for banana cake was published in the Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer in 1896. However, it was not until later in the 20th century that banana cake became a staple in many Kiwi homes.
The Ingredients for Banana Cake
The ingredients for banana cake are relatively simple and can be found at any grocery store. To make a basic banana cake, you will need:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
The Steps to Make Banana Cake
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to start baking. Here are the steps to make banana cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the banana mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting with cream cheese icing.
How to Make Cream Cheese Icing
Cream cheese icing is the perfect accompaniment to banana cake. It is creamy, tangy, and adds a perfect touch of sweetness. Here is how to make cream cheese icing:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the cream cheese icing over the cooled banana cake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Icing
Here are a few tips to help make your banana cake with cream cheese icing NZ turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your bananas are ripe. The riper the banana, the sweeter the cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This will help your cake bake more evenly and rise properly.
- Don't overmix your batter. This can cause your cake to be tough and dense.
- Let your cake cool completely before icing. If the cake is still warm, the icing will melt and slide off.
Conclusion
Banana cake with cream cheese icing NZ is a classic Kiwi dessert that is loved by many. It is a simple yet delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make the perfect banana cake with cream cheese icing that will have your guests asking for seconds. Happy baking!