Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect marriage between classic banana bread and a soft, sliceable cake. It has the familiar comfort of banana bread but with a lighter crumb and a rich, tangy frosting that makes it feel truly special. I started making this recipe when I wanted something more celebratory than banana bread but not as fussy as a layer cake. The result was exactly what I hoped for. The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to ripe bananas, while the cream cheese frosting adds balance and structure without being overly sweet. I have served this for birthdays, afternoon coffee, and casual gatherings, and it always disappears quickly. It is simple enough for everyday baking yet polished enough to feel bakery-worthy, making it a reliable recipe you will return to often.
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Moist, Tender, and Bakery-Style)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender banana bread cake topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect as a dessert or sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in sour cream or yogurt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for best flavor and moisture.
- Do not frost the cake until fully cooled.
- Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bananas are the heart of this cake. Very ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a deep banana flavor that intensifies during baking.
All-purpose flour gives the cake structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake evenly and helps create a light texture.
Brown sugar adds moisture and subtle caramel notes that complement the bananas beautifully.
Butter contributes richness and a soft, velvety crumb when creamed properly.
Eggs bind the batter and provide stability, helping the cake rise evenly.
Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness while balancing sweetness with a gentle tang.
Baking soda helps the cake rise and works with the bananas for a light but sturdy crumb.
Vanilla extract enhances the banana flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Salt sharpens and balances all the flavors in both the cake and frosting.
Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting, adding tanginess and a smooth, spreadable texture.
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a rectangular baking pan. Lightly flour the pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12 slices. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, baking time is about 35 minutes, and total time is around 50 minutes plus cooling.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days due to the cream cheese frosting. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is highly adaptable and welcomes creative additions. For added texture, fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. I have also added chocolate chips on occasion, which turn the cake into a more indulgent dessert while still retaining its banana-forward flavor.
If you prefer a slightly lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar or add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the cream cheese mixture. For a spiced version, cinnamon or nutmeg complements the bananas beautifully and adds warmth.
You can also bake this recipe as cupcakes or in a square pan for easy portioning. For a dairy-free option, substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. These variations allow you to adapt the recipe without compromising its signature softness and flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein (g) | 5 |
| Carbs (g) | 54 |
| Fat (g) | 17 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 9 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 36 |
| Sodium (mg) | 280 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use very ripe bananas
Dark, spotty bananas provide the best sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix
Mix gently once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
Cool before frosting
Ensure the cake is completely cool to prevent the frosting from melting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.
Can I freeze banana bread cake?
The unfrosted cake freezes well for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A standard rectangular baking pan works best for even baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly reducing the sugar will still yield good results.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing or under-ripe bananas can affect the texture.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting yet refined dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something special. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and tangy frosting, it is a recipe that suits both everyday baking and special occasions. Once you try it, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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