Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s cozy, decadent, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine all the nostalgic flavors of classic banana bread, but transformed into a soft, tender cake crowned with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting. This easy bake packs everything you love about banana bread, adds a touch of celebration with a lush topping, and is perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat any night of the week. Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe on repeat—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that won’t last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in its familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for incredible results. Each component brings something special to the table, whether it’s the deep banana flavor, the creamy richness of sour cream, or that signature tangy-sweet frosting. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love it:
- Ripe Bananas: For that naturally sweet banana flavor and perfect moist crumb—use the spottiest bananas you have!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to both the cake and the frosting.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with a fluffy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a slight caramel undertone and even more moisture.
- Large Eggs: Bind the batter, provide structure, and ensure a light, cakey texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm flavors, especially in the frosting.
- Sour Cream: Makes the cake extra moist and adds a subtle tanginess.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its structure and tender crumb.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully, especially when combined with banana’s natural acidity.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for that ultra-creamy, tangy frosting everyone loves.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without any grittiness.
- Optional Chopped Walnuts or Mini Chocolate Chips: For a bit of crunch or chocolatey surprise in every bite!
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a little time to thoroughly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan so your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting releases beautifully after baking. Set your pan aside while you mix up the magic.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender, airy banana cake, so don’t rush it—beat until you see pale, creamy swirls.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Sour Cream, and Bananas
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract, followed by the sour cream and your mashed bananas. This creamy, fragrant mixture is the soul of your cake!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step helps the leavening agents distribute evenly for consistent rise, so your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out light and perfect every time.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing—just fold until you see no more streaks of flour. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now for extra texture and flavor!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Slide into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting—that patience will pay off!
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, make your tangy-sweet topper. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat again until your frosting is silky and light. You’ll want to eat it straight from the bowl—hold off until the cake is ready!
Step 8: Frost and Chill
Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over your cooled banana cake, swirling it right to the edges. For neat, clean slices, pop the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes before you cut and serve.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a handful of mini chocolate chips makes each slice not just prettier, but tastier! You can also add some fresh banana slices just before serving for a pop of color and extra banana goodness.
Side Dishes
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting pairs wonderfully with strong brewed coffee, a cup of tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into elegant triangles or bite-sized squares for a dessert buffet, or try topping each piece with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch. This cake makes a beautiful addition to party platters and potlucks, and you can even layer cubes into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting helps the cake stay moist, and the flavors deepen after a day or two—if you can resist eating it all right away!
Freezing
If you want to keep your cake for longer, freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost fresh when you’re ready to serve. You can also freeze individual frosted slices by wrapping them well and placing in an airtight container.
Reheating
For that warm-out-of-the-oven experience, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The cake becomes extra soft, and the cream cheese frosting just starts to melt—pure comfort food.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! Let frozen bananas thaw completely, drain off any extra liquid, then mash and use as directed for deliciously moist cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cake will still be fluffy and delicious, especially with that luscious cream cheese frosting.
Does this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Just bring slices to room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
How can I make the cake extra moist?
Make sure your bananas are ripe and the sour cream is full-fat for the moistest crumb possible. Don’t overbake—check for doneness starting at 30 minutes and remove promptly when a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and add a few minutes to the baking time. There will be plenty for everyone to enjoy this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting at your next party or potluck.
Final Thoughts
If you love a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat, you truly have to try this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s that perfect combination of homey flavors and bakery-worthy indulgence that makes people go back for seconds every time. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake with you, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Banana Bread Cake topped with a rich Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist and flavorful, this cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Cake preparation: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and bananas. Mix in dry ingredients. Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread over cooled cake.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
