Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake

Sharing is caring!

Looking for a scrumptious cake that combines the wholesome goodness of fruits and vegetables? Look no further than this outstanding Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake! Packed with moisture from bananas, sweetness from carrots, and a delightful surprise of cream cheese filling, this cake will surely tickle your taste buds and become a favorite for family gatherings or an afternoon coffee treat. With its soft, fluffy texture and rich flavors, it’s a cake that not only looks beautiful but tastes incredible. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake is not your everyday dessert. It uniquely combines the flavors of banana and carrot, enriched with spices and textures from pecans and pineapple. The cream cheese filling adds a decadent layer of richness that truly elevates this cake. Every bite is an explosion of flavors and a medley of moist, tender cake complemented by the creamy, tangy filling. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
• 1 cup drained canned crushed pineapple in juice
• ½ cup mashed ripe banana
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

How To Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with cooking spray or butter, then dusting them lightly with flour. This helps ensure the cakes release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients and eliminates any lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, allowing the sugars to dissolve.

Step 4: Add Fruits and Nuts

Stir in the finely grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and mashed ripe banana into the wet ingredients. This adds moisture and flavor to the cake, making it irresistibly delicious!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it should be somewhat lumpy yet cohesive.

Step 6: Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans to the batter, distributing them evenly. Their crunch adds a delightful contrast to the soft cake texture.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. This rich filling will add a delightful creaminess between the cake layers.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

After the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the first layer. Carefully place the second layer on top. If you wish, you can frost the top and sides of the cake with a light whipped cream or a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra touch.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy! This Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake is best enjoyed fresh but remains delicious for a few days.

Expert Tips

• Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Don’t skip the draining of the crushed pineapple to avoid a soggy cake.
• Use a microplane to finely grate the carrots for a smoother texture in the cake.
• For a beautiful finish, top the cake with some extra chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon when serving.

Variations and Customizations

• Substitute chopped walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for added flavor.
• Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese frosting for a sweeter touch.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for about 5 days or freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the cake may have a denser texture. You may also consider using a blend of both for a healthier option.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling?

You can use dairy-free cream cheese or mascarpone cheese as an alternative if you want to avoid regular cream cheese. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be creamy and delicious.

Is it possible to make this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe can be made as cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Definitely! You can experiment with spices such as nutmeg or ginger to add a warm spiced flavor profile to the cake. A combination of spices can also work beautifully to elevate the taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Cream Cheese Stuffed Banana Carrot Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience. With the perfect blend of fruity, nutty, and spiced flavors, along with the luscious cream cheese filling, each bite is pure joy. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will certainly be a showstopper. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy creating this heavenly cake that is sure to be cherished by all! Happy baking!