This delightful zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a unique blend of fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. It's the perfect treat for those who love the nutrition of zucchini and the sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the indulgence of cream cheese frosting. As a bonus, this cake is also made healthier by using honey as a sweetener, whole wheat flour for added fiber and pineapple for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
The ingredients required for this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens, except maybe for the zucchini and pineapple. When shopping, look for medium-sized zucchini that are firm and have a bright, glossy skin. As for the pineapple, you have the option to use fresh or canned. Just make sure the canned version is in its own juice, not in heavy syrup.
Ingredients for Zucchini Banana Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting
All-purpose flour: A basic type of flour used as the foundation for cakes.
Whole wheat flour: This provides added fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
Baking soda: It's a leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and adds a sweet, nutty taste.
Ground ginger: Gives a slightly spicy twist.
Honey: Acts as a natural sweetener.
Vegetable oil: Moistens the cake and makes it tender.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Zucchini: Adds moisture and makes the cake lighter and healthier.
Pineapple: Provides a nice, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Philadelphia cream cheese: Creates a rich and creamy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting to the perfect level.
One reader, Jeri Hyland says:
This zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zucchini and banana creates a moist and flavorful cake, and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch. It's a hit with my family and friends, and I love how it sneaks in some extra veggies!
Techniques Required for Making Zucchini Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
How to prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to prepare the baking pan: Spray the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch nonstick metal pan with cooking spray.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir well with a whisk.
How to combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well. Add zucchini, banana, and pineapple. Mix well.
How to mix the batter: Fold the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix well with a spatula until combined.
How to bake the cake: Spoon the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to cool the cake: Cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
How to spread the frosting: Spread the prepared frosting over the cooled cake.
How to cut the cake: Cut the cake into 16 pieces.
How To Make Zucchini Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This zucchini banana cake is a unique dessert that’s made even richer with the addition of crushed pineapples. The honey also adds a nice subtle sweetness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupall-purpose flour
- ¾cupwhole wheat flour
- 2tspBaking Soda
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspnutmeg
- ¼tspground ginger
- ⅔cuphoney
- 2tbspVegetable Oil
- 2eggs,large
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 2cupsbananas,ripe, mashed from 5 small bananas
- 8ozzucchini,grated and squeezed well
- 8ozpineapple,crushed in juice, drained well
For Frosting:
- 8ozPhiladelphia Cream Cheese,⅓ less fat
- ¼cuppowdered sugar
- 2tspvanilla extract
Instructions
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To prepare frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray bottom of 13x9x2-inch nonstick metal pan with cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices; stir well with a whisk.
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In a medium bowl, combine honey, oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well. Add zucchini, banana and pineapple; mix well.
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Fold wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix well with a spatula until combined.
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Spoon batter into the sheet pan.
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Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely on a wire rack.
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Spread frosting over the cake once cooled and cut into 16 pieces.
Nutrition
- Calories: 199.79kcal
- Fat: 7.48g
- Saturated Fat: 3.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.71g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.74g
- Carbohydrates: 31.64g
- Fiber: 1.96g
- Sugar: 19.24g
- Protein: 3.47g
- Cholesterol: 35.59mg
- Sodium: 248.47mg
- Calcium: 27.90mg
- Potassium: 216.55mg
- Iron: 0.87mg
- Vitamin A: 63.19µg
- Vitamin C: 11.84mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Zucchini Banana Cake
When grating the zucchini, there's no need to peel it first. The skin will add a nice pop of color to your cake. Also, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini before adding it to the batter. This will prevent your cake from becoming too soggy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the zucchini, bananas, and pineapple the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
One-bowl method: Use a large mixing bowl to combine all the wet and dry ingredients. This minimizes cleanup and saves time.
Grate efficiently: Use a food processor to quickly grate the zucchini, saving time and effort compared to hand-grating.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch and freezing one for later. This way, you'll have a delicious cake ready to enjoy without the prep work.
Organized workspace: Before starting, ensure your kitchen workspace is organized and all ingredients and tools are easily accessible. This will streamline the baking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, and it provides a similar texture and structure to the cake.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour adds a nutty flavor and a tender crumb to the cake, and it's a great gluten-free alternative.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda in this recipe, but it's important to adjust the quantity as baking powder is not as strong as baking soda.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative, and it adds a delightful depth of flavor to the cake.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, adding moisture and a hint of natural sweetness to the cake.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan-friendly alternative that can bind the ingredients together, similar to regular eggs.
cream cheese - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be whipped and sweetened to create a dairy-free alternative to cream cheese frosting.
pineapple - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake, similar to the role of pineapple.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a less refined alternative to powdered sugar, providing a natural sweetness to the frosting.
Presentation Ideas for Zucchini Banana Cake
Elevate the cake on a pedestal: Present the zucchini banana cake on a beautiful cake stand to give it a regal and grand appearance. This will draw attention to the cake and make it the centerpiece of the presentation.
Garnish with fresh fruit: Adorn the cake with slices of fresh bananas and zucchini ribbons to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation. This will also showcase the key ingredients of the cake.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the cake. The vibrant blooms will create a visually stunning presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to the overall presentation.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Accompany the zucchini banana cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, elegantly presented in a small ramekin or decorative bowl, for a luxurious and indulgent touch.
Essential Tools for Making This Cream Cheese Frosted Cake
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining and mixing the dry and wet ingredients together to form the cake batter.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to blend and mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and uniform batter.
- 13x9x2-inch nonstick metal pan: This pan is used for baking the cake and its nonstick feature makes it easy to remove the cake after baking.
- Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling the cake after it has been baked, allowing air to circulate around the cake for even cooling.
- Spatula: A spatula is used for folding the wet and dry ingredients together and for spreading the batter into the baking pan.
- Wooden toothpick: A wooden toothpick is used to check the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Banana Cake
To store the zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
If you want to freeze the cake, it's best to do so without the frosting. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then frost it with freshly made cream cheese frosting.
Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices of the frosted cake. Place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. To serve, unwrap the desired number of slices and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the cream cheese frosting, avoid freezing the cake after it has been frosted. The frosting may become grainy and lose its creamy consistency when thawed.
Always ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing or freezing to prevent condensation from forming, which can lead to a soggy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Banana Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini banana cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the cake and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a microwave to reheat the cake. Place a single slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for about 20-30 seconds. If the cake is not heated to your liking, continue to heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it may become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a moist interior, you can use a toaster oven to reheat the zucchini banana cake. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of the cake directly on the wire rack. Toast for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy.
If you want to reheat the entire cake, you can use a steamer. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the cake in a heatproof dish and set it on a steamer basket above the water. Cover the pot and steam the cake for about 5-10 minutes, or until it is heated through. This method helps to keep the cake moist and prevents it from drying out.
For a decadent treat, you can reheat the zucchini banana cake in a skillet with a little bit of butter. Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place a slice of the cake in the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the cake is heated through and the edges are slightly crispy. Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Banana Cake
The zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into a sweet treat. The combination of zucchini and bananas adds moisture and a unique flavor to the cake. This recipe is a great way to use up extra zucchinis from the garden and enjoy a healthier dessert option. The cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of the cake perfectly, adding a creamy and tangy element to each bite. It's a wonderful way to indulge in a delicious dessert while still getting some extra nutrients from the zucchini and bananas.
Is Making Zucchini Banana Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
This zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, zucchini and bananas, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of whole wheat flour and honey enhances the nutritional value without significantly increasing the cost. The cream cheese frosting might be the most expensive component, but it's a crucial element for the cake. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and economical dessert option for a family. I would rate it 8/10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat.
Is This Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered nutritious. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- The recipe incorporates whole wheat flour, which provides more fiber and nutrients compared to all-purpose flour
- Zucchini, banana, and pineapple add moisture, fiber, and some vitamins and minerals to the cake
- Honey is used as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar
Less healthy aspects:
- The cream cheese frosting contains a significant amount of saturated fat and added sugar
- Vegetable oil is used, which is often high in omega-6 fatty acids and may contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess
- The recipe still contains a considerable amount of added sugar from the honey and powdered sugar in the frosting
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the vegetable oil with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or olive oil
- Reduce the amount of honey in the cake batter and use a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit in the frosting to decrease the overall sugar content
- Incorporate more whole grain flour, such as oat flour or almond flour, to increase the fiber and protein content
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for healthy fats and extra texture
- Experiment with a lighter frosting option, such as a Greek yogurt-based frosting or a simple glaze made with lemon juice and powdered sugar
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Banana Cake Recipe
This zucchini banana cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. The combination of zucchini, banana, and pineapple creates a moist and flavorful cake, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish. The use of whole wheat flour and honey adds a touch of wholesome sweetness, making this cake a guilt-free indulgence. The spices add depth and warmth to the cake, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Overall, this recipe offers a unique twist on a classic dessert, and the result is a deliciously moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress.
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Why trust this Zucchini Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of zucchini and banana, creating a moist and flavorful cake. The addition of whole wheat flour and honey provides a wholesome touch. The use of cream cheese in the frosting adds a rich and creamy texture. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger infuses warm, aromatic flavors. The inclusion of pineapple adds a hint of tropical sweetness. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to create a delectable treat that will surely impress your taste buds.
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