If you have ripened bananas waiting for their moment to shine, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will steal your heart. Imagine the familiar, nostalgic warmth of banana bread transformed into a tender, fluffy cake, all crowned with a dreamy, cloud-like cream cheese frosting. Each bite bursts with mellow banana flavor, sweet cinnamon, and a tangy finish that only cream cheese can deliver. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just need a pick-me-up treat, Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate comfort dessert you’ll want to share (or maybe keep just for yourself!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of easy, familiar ingredients, you’ll be able to create a Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that tastes bakery-worthy. Each component plays a special role, from lending a moist crumb to enhancing the cake’s flavor or creating that luscious, addictively tangy frosting on top.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, keeping it fluffy yet sturdy enough to hold the frosting.
Baking soda: Gives the cake lift and helps it rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens and balances the sweetness, making every flavor sing.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and dimension that pairs perfectly with ripe bananas.
Unsalted butter: For richness and depth, in both the cake and frosting, plus that irresistible buttery taste.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and ensures a delicate crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings a gentle molasses note and extra moistness.
Eggs: Bind everything together while yielding a tender, cake-like texture.
Vanilla extract: Infuses those classic, bakery-style undertones into both cake and frosting.
Mashed ripe bananas: The soul of this dessert—offering bold banana aroma and locking in moisture.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Amps up the moistness and adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
Milk: Loosens the batter so it bakes up soft and fluffy.
Cream cheese (for frosting): Delivers that signature creamy tang atop your cake.
Powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting whips up smooth and sweet, without any grittiness.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee an even bake. Generously grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan—this helps the cake release effortlessly and keeps your edges perfectly golden.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This simple step ensures all the leavening and spices are well distributed, so you get consistent flavor and a light, airy crumb in every bite.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. You’re looking for a light, fluffy mixture—this aeration is what gives Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting its irresistible, tender bite.

Step 4: Incorporate eggs and flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before the next. Stir in the vanilla extract; it enriches the overall aroma and flavor, setting the stage for the bananas to shine.

Step 5: Mix in bananas, sour cream, and milk

Now, add your mashed bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk to the wet mixture. This trio guarantees extra moisture, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and that signature banana bread depth you crave.

Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing will toughen your tender crumb, so stop as soon as the flour disappears—lumps are totally fine!

Step 7: Bake the cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely so the cream cheese frosting can glide on without melting.

Step 8: Make the cream cheese frosting

While your cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until your frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to sweep over your cooled cake.

Step 9: Frost and chill

Once your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is completely cool, lavish on the cream cheese frosting. Spread evenly for that fantastic cloud-like topping, and refrigerate until ready to serve for perfectly sliceable pieces.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The finishing touch can make all the difference. Scatter chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for a satisfying crunch, or add a few artfully placed banana slices to hint at the cake’s starring ingredient. A dusting of cinnamon or fresh edible flowers also gives your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting a bakery-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and satisfying, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is always welcome. If you’re serving it at brunch, set out a platter of fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. Even a steamy mug of coffee or chai makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, try baking it as cupcakes for easy, portable treats, or use a square pan for tidy, bite-size “cake bars.” For special occasions, layer the cake with extra frosting in between or bake it in a bundt pan for a dramatic centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting stays supremely moist for days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you want to keep your cake even longer, simply wrap unfrosted cake or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, add the cream cheese frosting after thawing.

Reheating

To serve leftovers slightly warm (who can resist that?), microwave individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds. The cake will be soft and aromatic, and the frosting will just barely melt—utterly divine!

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results.

Can I substitute the sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream, lending the same level of moisture and tang while keeping the cake ultra-tender.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to preserve maximum moistness!

Can I make this as cupcakes or a layer cake?

Definitely! This recipe transitions wonderfully into cupcakes or two 9-inch round layers. Just be sure to adjust the baking time—cupcakes may take 18 to 22 minutes, while layers may bake a bit quicker than a large pan.

What’s the best way to frost the cake?

Make sure both your cake and frosting are completely cool to avoid melting. Use an offset spatula for a smooth surface, or swirl the frosting in rustic swoops for that homemade charm. Chill the finished cake for slices that hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and downright irresistible, Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting never disappoints. It’s a breeze to whip up, stays moist for days, and delivers big banana flavor with a luscious tangy finish. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family—one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of moist banana bread cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion and will have your taste buds singing with joy!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ cup milk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine wet ingredients: Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
Blend in dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Prepare frosting: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
Frost the cake: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Top with chopped walnuts or sliced bananas for added texture and flavor.
This cake stays moist for days and can also be made into cupcakes or a layer cake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American