Moist, fluffy, and crowned with a decadent tangy icing, Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate comfort dessert that perfectly straddles the line between homestyle nostalgia and bakery-worthy indulgence. Every bite teases with the sunny sweetness of ripe bananas, a subtle hint of cinnamon, and the irresistible tang of a creamy, cloudlike frosting. Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering, craving an afternoon treat, or celebrating a special occasion, this cake always manages to steal the show—and win hearts with its tender crumb and soul-warming flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and the perfect texture. They may seem simple on their own, but together, they create something truly special—so don’t skip or substitute if you want the best results!
- Mashed ripe bananas: Overripe bananas are essential for sweetness and that signature banana aroma—make sure they’re deeply speckled for best flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds luxurious moisture and a subtle tang, making your cake extra soft and tender.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and make the crumb rich without making it dense.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out both banana and cream cheese flavors, adding warmth and depth.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Delivers unbeatable richness and helps create a creamy, fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Ensures the perfect amount of sweetness and a light, delicate crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Lends a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the banana flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The classic, sturdy base that holds your cake together without weighing it down.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the acid in bananas and sour cream to produce a soft, tender rise.
- Baking powder: Supports an even lift for an extra fluffy bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpness in both cake and frosting.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with banana and brown sugar.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting—rich, tangy, and creamy for a dreamy topping.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Coating the pan well ensures every slice releases easily—nothing should come between you and that first bite!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no big chunks remaining. This blend is where your cake gets its irresistible moisture and banana-forward flavor.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step adds air to your batter, setting you up for a cake that bakes up perfectly soft and airy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Creamed Mixtures
Gradually add the banana mixture to your butter and sugar, stirring until everything is just combined into a smooth, luscious batter. Don’t overmix—gentle folding is key to keeping the cake tender.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
In a third bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute rising agents and spice. Fold these dry ingredients into your wet batter until everything is just combined. You’ll end up with a thick, fragrant batter that’s ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible! Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
To make the signature cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and free of lumps. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until the frosting is fluffy, smooth, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 8: Frost and Chill
Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, swirling and smoothing it to the very edges. For the neatest slices, pop the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few banana slices on top. A drizzle of honey over each slice doesn’t hurt either, and really makes that beautiful frosting glisten!
Side Dishes
Pair a generous slice of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of strong coffee. The combination is pure brunch bliss or a superb way to end a dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut your cake into squares and arrange them on a tiered cake stand, or serve in cupcake wrappers for a portable party treat. You can even layer slices with extra frosting in mason jars for portable parfaits—each serving looks extra charming and invites a big spoonful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ultra-fresh, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The cake stays moist for up to five days, with the frosting maintaining its luscious texture the whole time.
Freezing
This cake also freezes beautifully, whether frosted or unfrosted. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store for up to three months—thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm treat, microwave chilled slices for 10 to 15 seconds. The Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will taste freshly baked and even more heavenly as the frosting softens slightly atop that moist, tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a wonderful alternative to sour cream and will give your cake the same level of moisture with a slight tang. Opt for full-fat if possible for the richest taste and texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, feel free to fold in about 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips into the batter right before baking. This adds delightful crunch or bursts of chocolate in every bite!
Do I have to refrigerate Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep this cake refrigerated. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to let the frosting soften and the flavors bloom.
Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes or in a different size pan?
Certainly! You can divide the batter into muffin tins for cupcakes (reduce baking time to about 18 to 22 minutes) or use two 8-inch round pans for a layered cake effect. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Is it okay to use frozen bananas?
Frozen bananas work great for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! Thaw them completely, drain excess liquid, and mash as usual—they’re actually extra sweet after freezing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a slice of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with friends and family—it’s comforting, nostalgic, and always brings smiles. Don’t wait for overripe bananas to pile up—try this recipe and let your kitchen fill with those classic aromas and happy anticipation. You’ll find it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a moist banana bread cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large), ½ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar (packed), 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix mashed bananas, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the banana mixture until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until fluffy.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for best results.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This cake also freezes well, frosted or unfrosted.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
