If you love the comforting, nostalgic flavors of banana bread but crave something a little more indulgent and celebratory, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine moist, tender layers bursting with ripe banana goodness, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect creamy finish. This cake strikes the perfect balance between a classic homemade treat and an elegant dessert crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weekend bake, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is destined to become your go-to favorite for its incredible flavor and delightful texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to unlocking the magic of this cake. Each element plays a crucial role, from sweetening and moistening the batter to infusing that signature banana flavor and creamy frosting.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed): The star of the cake, bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Introduces a hint of molasses and deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender texture.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to lift the batter perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, warm spice that’s essential to banana treats.
- For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to create that silky, tangy finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring your cake won’t stick and comes out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this step is essential for a tender crumb and delightful sweetness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air. Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract, folding everything together until smooth and homogenous.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe delightfully moist and tender.
Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool fully before moving to the next step.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Slice into generous squares and get ready to amaze everyone with this dreamy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cake by topping it with chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few banana slices on top can also add a beautiful, appetizing touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into mini squares for a party platter or assemble layers with extra frosting between them to turn your cake into an impressive banana layer cake. You can even pipe the frosting decoratively to add a bakery finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake moist and the frosting fresh for up to 5 days. Let the slices come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the banana bread cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving to maintain that fresh, creamy texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe slightly warm, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature to soften the frosting naturally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully once thawed and mashed, often making your cake even more flavorful and moist.
Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?
Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed without compromising texture.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Simply omit any nuts if you choose to add them to the batter or as a garnish. The cake is delicious without nuts and very allergy-friendly.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?
Yes! Just divide the batter into a lined cupcake tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes, adjusting as needed based on your oven.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even mini chocolate chips. Spices like nutmeg or allspice also work well alongside the cinnamon.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form. Its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and dreamy cream cheese topping make it a treat you’ll keep coming back to, whether for tea time, celebrations, or simply when you need a little sweet comfort. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your new favorite homemade dessert!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cake topped with a smooth and creamy Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for an easy dessert or snack. This American classic combines ripe bananas with a blend of sugars and spices, baked to perfection and finished with a luscious frosting.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to prepare the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender crumb in the final cake.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending the wet ingredients evenly into the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spice.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to room temperature before frosting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake to create a rich, creamy layer.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this delicious treat.
Notes
- For an extra crunch and flavor, stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Bring the refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving to enhance the texture and flavor of both the cake and frosting.
