The Best Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sweet banana bread cake revolutionizes ordinary overripe fruits into a decadent dessert that captures comfort and nostalgic flavors.

Rich aromas fill kitchens with warm, inviting sensations that promise delightful indulgence.

Home bakers love this versatile treat that bridges classic quick bread and elegant layer cake traditions.

Moist crumb and tender texture emerge from carefully balanced ingredients and thoughtful mixing techniques.

cream cheese frosting adds luxurious complexity, elevating the humble banana from simple snack to sophisticated celebration.

Subtle spices and nuanced sweetness create a harmonious culinary experience that delights multiple taste preferences.

Professional and home cooks alike appreciate how this recipe turns mundane ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Banana Bread Cake Always Hits the Spot

• Unlock Banana Bliss: Transforms overripe bananas into a decadent dessert that rescues potentially wasted fruit while delivering maximum flavor.
• Creamy Comfort Perfection: Combines the soft, moist texture of banana bread with luxurious cream cheese frosting, creating a dreamy balance between rustic cake and elegant treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Requires minimal baking skills yet produces an impressive dessert perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend baking that serves a generous 18 people with minimal effort.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Comes together in just 50 minutes total, making it an ideal solution for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs without complex techniques or extensive preparation.

Ingredients for This Soft, Frosted Treat

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Provides rich, sweet base with tender crumb and golden color; unsalted butter works best for controlled sweetness.
• Eggs: Adds structure, moisture, and helps bind ingredients together; room temperature eggs mix more evenly.
• Sour Cream: Creates extra moisture and tender texture; full-fat version ensures richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the banana cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component of the cake; provides necessary gluten for proper texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light, airy texture; ensures even browning.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Bananas: Primary flavor and moisture source; ripe, spotted bananas provide best sweetness and banana taste.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, rich, tangy frosting base; both should be softened at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor complexity to frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize frosting; sifted for smooth texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Helps achieve desired frosting consistency and adds silky texture.

Easy Steps to Bake This Comforting Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together:

Softened butter

Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add in:

Eggs

Sour cream

Vanilla extract

Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in:

All-purpose flour

Baking soda

Salt

Stir in mashed bananas until just incorporated. Don’t overmix the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial for perfect frosting application.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat together:

Softened butter

Cream cheese

Blend until silky smooth. Add:

Vanilla extract

Powdered sugar

Heavy cream

Whip until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly across the top. Slice into squares and serve to your eager friends and family.

Cooking Notes:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Baking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)

Servings: 18 slices

Calories: 350 per slice

Banana Cake Tips for Extra Moist Crumbs

• Mash Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and rich banana flavor.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Check Moisture Level: Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Tip: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.

Store and Reheat Without Losing That Frosting

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep frosted side covered to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Slice the cake, place wax paper between layers, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore soft texture and enhance flavors.

What Goes Best with Banana Bread Cake

• Pair with Coffee Bliss: Complement the sweet banana bread cake with a rich, medium-roast coffee that highlights the cake's warm, comforting flavors. The coffee's slight bitterness perfectly balances the cream cheese frosting's sweetness.
• Wine Elegance Match: Choose a dessert wine like moscato or a late-harvest riesling to enhance the cake's fruity banana notes. These wines bring out the subtle sweetness and provide a delightful after-dinner treat.
• Scoop of Vanilla Delight: Top the cake slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combination. The cold, creamy ice cream creates a beautiful contrast with the warm, tender cake texture.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the frosted cake to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the banana's soft, sweet profile.

Frosting Flips and Banana Add-Ins to Try

• Nutty Banana Bonanza: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and rich, earthy flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top of the frosting for a delightful textural contrast.
• Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into half the batter, creating a marbled effect when swirled together. Top with chocolate shavings for an indulgent touch.
• Tropical Paradise Remix: Fold in diced pineapple and coconut flakes to transform the classic banana bread into a tropical-inspired treat. Garnish with toasted coconut on the cream cheese frosting for extra tropical flair.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: After frosting the cake, drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel to enhance the sweet and salty profile.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky banana bread cake brings Southern comfort to your table with luxurious cream cheese frosting. Rich layers of moist banana goodness promise a delightful slice that wraps you in warmth and sweet nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar

Cake Binders and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat is best)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 bar (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese (full-fat is best)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Incorporate eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous blend.
4. Gently fold in flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring no dry pockets remain in the mixture.
5. Fold mashed bananas into the batter, carefully mixing until just integrated to maintain the cake’s tender texture.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to evenly distribute and smooth the surface.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely, which helps the structure set and prevents frosting from melting.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping butter and cream cheese together until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
10. Add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting becomes light and creamy.
11. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the frosting across the entire surface, creating an even layer.
12. Slice into desired portions and serve, enjoying the moist banana-infused cake with its luxurious cream cheese topping.

Notes

• Perfectly ripened bananas guarantee a moist and rich cake texture.
• Cream cheese frosting transforms this simple banana bread into an indulgent dessert experience.
• Storing leftovers covered in the refrigerator maintains freshness for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 248 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg