Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re looking for the ultimate treat that combines the deliciousness of bananas with the irresistible allure of peanut butter cups, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting is a showstopper, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Each bite features moist banana cake studded with creamy Reeses peanut butter cups, all topped with a luscious frosting that will have you swooning. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This cake is not just any cake; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. The combination of ripe bananas and peanut butter creates a moist, flavorful base, while the mini Reeses cups add little pockets of chocolatey, nutty goodness throughout. Topping it all off is the creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly sweet and tangy. This cake is indulgent yet comforting, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
What Goes In
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups Reese’s peanut butter cup minis (unwrapped), with 12 reserved for topping
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 8-ounce block cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy is key in baking!
- Electric mixer – makes it easier to achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Rubber spatula – perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- 9-inch round cake pans – to bake your cake layers evenly.
- Cooling rack – to cool your cakes properly before frosting.
Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream until fully combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Bananas and Lemon Juice
Next, add the mashed bananas and fresh lemon juice to the mixture. Beat until well blended, and the batter is smooth.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the mini Reeses peanut butter cups, reserving 12 for topping the cake.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Add in the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Finally, add the heavy whipping cream and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 10: Decorate
Finally, garnish the top of the cake with the reserved mini Reeses peanut butter cups. Slice, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness of your Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting!
Tailor It to Your Diet
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup and substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- If you prefer a vegan cake, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
- Make sure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and moisture.
- Not letting the cakes cool completely before frosting can result in melting frosting. Be patient!
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
The Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow the cake to come to room temperature after removing it from the fridge, or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Quick Q&A
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use regular peanut butter, but it may alter the texture slightly. Creamy peanut butter gives a smoother frosting.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and frost them the day you want to serve it.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, gradually add a little more heavy whipping cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Let’s Eat
Get ready to indulge in a slice (or two) of this decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it with your family on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures makes every bite a delightful experience. So go ahead, slice into this amazing creation, and relish the joy it brings to your palate. Happy baking!
Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out easily after baking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream until fully combined.
- Step 5: Next, add the mashed bananas and fresh lemon juice to the mixture. Beat until well blended, and the batter is smooth.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Gently fold in the mini Reeses peanut butter cups, reserving 12 for topping the cake.
- Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Add in the peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Finally, add the heavy whipping cream and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
- Step 9: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Step 10: Finally, garnish the top of the cake with the reserved mini Reeses peanut butter cups. Slice, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness of your Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
- For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup and substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
