25 Best Banana Cake Toppings (Not Just Banana Frosting)

Looking for a delicious and easy way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter?

Look no further than banana cake!

This classic dessert is a family favorite and can be made in a variety of ways, from traditional banana bread to moist and fluffy banana cakes with rich cream cheese frosting.

With a few simple ingredients like flour, sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, and of course, bananas, you can make a delicious and satisfying dessert in no time.

Plus, with so many different toppings to choose from, like caramel sauce, walnuts, honey drizzle, or even fresh fruit, you can customize your cake banana to suit any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night in with the family.

So, preheat your oven, grab your nonstick cooking spray, and let’s get baking!

25 Best Banana Cake Topping Ideas

Fruity Toppings

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh fruit on top of a delicious slice of banana cake. Whether you’re looking to add a burst of color or a pop of sweetness to your cake, these fruity toppings are sure to do the trick.

First up, sliced fresh strawberries are a classic choice for banana cake topping. They add a beautiful red hue to your cake and pair perfectly with the banana flavor.

Blueberries are another great option, offering a slightly tart contrast to the sweet cake.

For a more delicate flavor, try raspberries, which have a slight tang that complements the banana’s natural sweetness.

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try topping your cake with sliced peaches or mango chunks.

These juicy fruits add a tropical twist to your cake and make it feel like a vacation in every bite.

No matter which fruit you choose, make sure it’s ripe and at peak flavor before adding it to your cake. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different fruits for a beautiful and colorful presentation that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.

Nutty Toppings

First on the list, chopped walnuts. Walnuts are a classic topping for banana bread, and they work just as well on banana cake. Their nutty flavor and satisfying crunch pair perfectly with the moist and tender crumb of the cake.

Sliced almonds are another great option for adding some nuttiness to your banana cake. They have a more delicate flavor than walnuts, but still provide a satisfying crunch. Hazelnuts are a great choice if you’re looking for a nutty flavor with a slightly sweet and toasty note.

For a richer and more indulgent nut topping, try pecans. They have a buttery flavor that works well with the banana cake, and they become slightly caramelized when toasted, adding even more flavor and crunch.

Finally, macadamia nuts are a tropical and luxurious option that pair perfectly with banana cake. They have a buttery flavor and creamy texture that make for a truly indulgent topping.

When using nuts as a topping, it’s important to toast them first to bring out their full flavor. Simply spread the nuts on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Once toasted, sprinkle them generously over your cake for a delicious and crunchy topping.

Creamy Toppings

Creamy toppings add a decadent touch to any banana cake. From rich cream cheese frosting to tangy vanilla custard, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are five of our favorite creamy toppings to try:

First up, whipped cream. This light and airy topping is a classic choice for banana cake, and for good reason. It adds a subtle sweetness and a fluffy texture that complements the dense and moist cake perfectly. For an even richer flavor, try adding a touch of vanilla extract to your whipped cream.

Cream cheese frosting is another classic choice for banana cake. It has a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake and adds a rich and creamy texture. To make cream cheese frosting, simply beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try topping your banana cake with vanilla custard. This silky and velvety topping adds a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover egg yolks from the cake recipe.

Mascarpone cheese is a luxurious and indulgent topping that adds a rich and creamy flavor to your banana cake. It has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the banana flavor. For a lighter and tangier option, try topping your cake with Greek yogurt instead.

Last but not least, sour cream is a tangy and creamy topping that works well with the sweetness of the cake. It has a slightly thicker texture than whipped cream, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for a more substantial topping. Simply spoon dollops of sour cream on top of your cake and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Sweet Toppings

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love these 5 sweet toppings that will take your banana cake to the next level.

First up, chocolate chips. This classic topping adds a sweet and chocolaty flavor to your cake, and the soft and gooey texture of the chips pairs perfectly with the dense and moist cake. For an even richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips.

Caramel sauce is another delicious option for topping your banana cake. Its sweet and buttery flavor complements the banana flavor perfectly and adds a luxurious touch to your cake. You can either drizzle the sauce over the top of the cake or spread it on top of the frosting.

For a natural and healthy sweetener, try topping your cake with honey drizzle. It adds a subtle sweetness and a golden hue to your cake, and its floral notes pair well with the banana flavor. To make a honey drizzle, simply warm up some honey in a saucepan and drizzle it over the cake.

Maple syrup is another great option for adding sweetness to your banana cake. Its rich and complex flavor pairs well with the banana flavor and adds a warm and cozy touch to your cake. Drizzle it generously over your cake for a delicious and comforting topping.

Finally, a classic sweet topping for banana cake is powdered sugar dusting. It’s simple and easy to make, and it adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful snowy effect to your cake. Simply dust the powdered sugar over the top of the cake using a fine mesh strainer or a sifter.

Other Delicious Toppings

First on the list, crushed graham crackers. This topping adds a sweet and crunchy texture to your banana cake, and its slightly nutty flavor pairs well with the banana flavor. Simply crush the graham crackers into small pieces and sprinkle them over the top of your cake.

Shredded coconut is another great option for adding texture and flavor to your banana cake. Its sweet and nutty flavor pairs well with the banana flavor, and its delicate texture adds a beautiful tropical touch to your cake. Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top of your cake or mix it into your frosting.

If you’re a fan of chocolate, try topping your banana cake with crushed Oreo cookies. They add a rich and chocolaty flavor to your cake and their crunchy texture makes for a delicious and satisfying topping. Simply crush the cookies into small pieces and sprinkle them over the top of your cake.

For a fun and colorful topping, try using sprinkles. They add a playful touch to your cake and make it feel extra special, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just having a fun dessert. Choose sprinkles in different colors and shapes for a beautiful and festive presentation.

Finally, fruit jam or preserves is another great option for topping your banana cake. It adds a sweet and fruity flavor to your cake and its smooth and thick texture makes for a delicious topping. Simply spread the jam or preserves on top of your cake and enjoy.

FAQs

What goes with banana bread?

There are many things that go well with banana bread, including cream cheese frosting, chocolate chips, nuts, honey, or even just a simple smear of butter.

Should banana cake be refrigerated?

Yes, it’s best to store banana cake in the refrigerator, particularly if it has any perishable toppings or frosting. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help prevent it from drying out.

Do you put eggs in banana cake?

Yes, most banana cake recipes call for eggs as a binding agent to help hold the cake together. Typically, 2-3 eggs are used in a standard banana cake recipe.

How do you prolong the shelf life of a banana cake?

To prolong the shelf life of a banana cake, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze banana cake for longer-term storage, which will keep it fresh for up to three months.

What’s a good light frosting for banana cake?

A good light frosting for banana cake is a cream cheese glaze made with powdered sugar, cream cheese, and milk. This frosting is tangy and sweet, and it pairs well with the banana flavor.

What icing goes with banana cake?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic icing that goes well with banana cake. It’s creamy and tangy, which complements the sweet and moist texture of the cake. Additionally, chocolate ganache or peanut butter frosting are great options for those who want to add a more indulgent twist to their banana cake.

Can I substitute cream cheese with sour cream in my cake recipe?

Yes, you can use sour cream as a substitute for cream cheese in certain cake recipes. While cream cheese adds a tangy flavor and thick texture to cream cheese frosting, sour cream can also add a tangy flavor and a slightly different texture to your cake batter. However, it’s important to note that this substitution may not work in every recipe and could alter the overall flavor and texture of your cake.

How can I prevent my cream cheese frosting from turning brown?

Cream cheese frosting can turn brown if it’s over-beaten or if the cream cheese is too warm. To prevent this from happening, make sure to beat the cream cheese and butter together at a low speed until just combined. Also, make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature and not too warm before you start beating it. If your frosting does turn brown, you can try adding a little lemon juice or vanilla extract to lighten the color.

Can I make cream cheese frosting without butter?

Yes, you can make cream cheese frosting without butter by using a combination of cream cheese and sour cream instead. This will give your frosting a tangy flavor and a slightly softer texture. To make this frosting, simply beat together cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Keep in mind that this frosting will not be as thick and stable as cream cheese frosting made with butter, so it’s best to use it as a filling or a topping rather than for decorating.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, banana cake is a delicious and easy dessert that can be customized with a wide range of toppings to suit any occasion.

Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, creamy, sweet, or other delicious toppings, there’s a perfect option for every taste and preference.

With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, bananas, and a few additional ingredients, you can make a mouthwatering cake that your family and friends will love.

Plus, with the help of nonstick cooking spray and a few baking tips, you can ensure that your cake banana turns out perfectly every time.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and start baking your own delicious banana cake with the perfect topping to suit your mood and taste. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just looking for a sweet treat, banana cake is sure to please.