If you love the cozy nostalgia of classic banana bread but crave something a little more celebratory, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine all the comforting flavors of banana bread, but elevated to a tender, fluffy cake and topped with a dreamy cloud of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, special occasions, or just because you have ripe bananas begging to be used — and it comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet every ingredient plays a role in creating the moist crumb and irresistible flavor of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a tender texture.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure without making it dense.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays soft.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and that classic homemade taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and gives the cake a bakery-style aroma.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: The secret to extra-moist cake with a slight tang — it keeps each bite tender and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting, it brings tang and luscious creaminess that’s irresistible atop banana cake.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
- More unsalted butter (softened): Helps the frosting whip up extra smooth and creamy.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. A quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray does the trick — don’t forget the corners!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly, so every bite is perfectly flavored and the cake rises just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This introduces air into the batter, giving your cake a tender crumb and that irresistible homemade texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas, then blend in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This combination infuses your cake with flavor, richness, and a little extra moisture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so fold until you see no streaks of flour. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips here!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The house will smell absolutely amazing! Let the cake cool completely before frosting — patience is key for a perfect finish.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy. This creamy, tangy-sweet frosting is what turns a humble banana bread cake into something truly special.
Step 8: Frost and Finish
Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can swirl it decoratively or go for a rustic look — either way, you’re about to experience the magic of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in every bite.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
The frosting is already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color. For a special touch, try thin banana slices or chocolate shavings as an edible decoration.
Side Dishes
This cake is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing note.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into cupcakes for a fun party treat or cut it into bite-sized squares for a dessert platter. You can even layer squares with extra frosting and fresh banana slices for a whimsical banana cake trifle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld and the cake stays moist for up to 4 days — just be sure to keep it airtight so the frosting remains creamy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, this cake freezes beautifully! Cut the cake into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight before enjoying — the taste and texture will still be delicious.
Reheating
To bring chilled cake back to its soft, bakery-fresh texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer it a little warm, a quick 10-second microwave zap softens the cake and makes the frosting extra luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and adding them to your batter. They’ll work just as well and give your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that signature banana flavor.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cake will remain moist and flavorful, especially when topped with the cream cheese frosting.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the cream cheese frosting up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before spreading it over your cooled cake for best texture.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If you need ripe bananas in a pinch, place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Cool, peel, and they’re ready for your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Can I make this as a layer cake?
Absolutely! Divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans and adjust baking time to about 25–30 minutes. Frost in between and on top for a classic Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting layer cake.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort and celebration in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice with your morning coffee, it’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary days into something special. Give it a try — I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert combining ripe bananas and warm spices, topped with a rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for a comforting treat or special occasion, this easy-to-make cake offers a delicious twist on traditional banana bread.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and banana: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and the mashed ripe bananas until evenly combined.
- Incorporate sour cream: Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt thoroughly to the wet mixture, creating a smooth batter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the surface using a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the fully cooled banana bread cake. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the creamiest frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
