Dreamy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Mixing classic banana bread with a decadent cream cheese frosting creates a mouthwatering twist on a beloved favorite.

Sweet ripe bananas add rich moisture to every delightful slice.

Creamy frosting brings a luxurious layer of indulgence that elevates this simple dessert.

Baking enthusiasts will appreciate the simple yet elegant approach to this comforting treat.

Home kitchens come alive with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goodness.

Weekends feel extra special when you slice into this irresistible banana bread cake.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender cake and silky smooth frosting that will make you want to savor every single crumb.

Step-by-Step Guide to Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Generously coat the pan with butter or cooking spray. Dust with flour or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugars

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Elements

• Sour cream
• Mashed ripe bananas

Stir until the mixture looks creamy and consistent.

Step 6: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir carefully until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour streaks to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread with cream cheese frosting for the ultimate indulgence.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Spread generously over the cooled cake.

Tips for a Moist Banana Bread Cake and Smooth Frosting

• Prevent Banana Browning: Mash ripe bananas just before mixing to maintain fresh flavor and prevent oxidation.
• Soften Butter Smartly: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes or microwave in short 5-second bursts to achieve perfect softness.
• Avoid Overmixing Trick: Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture gently and stop mixing as soon as flour disappears to ensure a tender, moist cake texture.
• Customize Frosting Consistency: Add milk or powdered sugar gradually to cream cheese frosting to control thickness and spreadability.
• Maximize Banana Flavor: Use very ripe, almost black bananas with brown spots for deeper, sweeter banana taste and enhanced moisture in the cake.

How to Store Banana Bread Cake Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and enhance taste.

Delicious Matches for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Brew a rich medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel notes that enhance the banana bread's sweetness and complement its warm cinnamon undertones.
• Select a late-harvest Riesling with gentle honeyed sweetness that balances the cream cheese frosting's tanginess while echoing the cake's fruity banana flavor.
• Serve cold whole milk or creamy vanilla milkshake alongside the cake to provide a smooth, refreshing contrast to the dense, moist texture.
• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts around the cake plate to add crunchy texture and nutty depth that highlights the banana bread's rustic character.

Add-Ins for a Fun Banana Bread Cake Twist

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Banana Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and cream cheese frosting with dairy-free cashew cream frosting. Use plant-based milk instead of sour cream.
• Low-Sugar Banana Bread: Reduce granulated and brown sugar, and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add extra ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Replace part of the flour with protein powder for added nutrition.
• Nut-Infused Banana Cake: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the cream cheese frosting for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

FAQs About Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread cake because they’re sweeter and softer, providing more intense flavor and moisture to the cake.

• Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream helps create a moist and tender cake by adding richness and helping to break down the gluten in the flour. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for similar results.

• How do I know when the banana bread cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace butter with dairy-free margarine, use a plant-based milk instead of sour cream, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting to make the recipe dairy-free.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting That Feels Like Home

• Create a nostalgic treat that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents. The comforting blend of ripe bananas and cream cheese frosting makes this recipe a universal favorite for gatherings and casual weeknight desserts.
• Transform overripe bananas into a mouthwatering cake that works perfectly for breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert. The recipe offers flexibility to customize with optional mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
• Enjoy a straightforward recipe with simple mixing techniques and common pantry ingredients. Minimal equipment needed means less cleanup and more time savoring the delicious results.

What Goes Into Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for a light and fluffy banana bread cake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the banana bread.

• Ripe Bananas: The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy base.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base for the frosting, offering tangy richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds smoothness and helps create a stable frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor with a subtle warmth.

Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sumptuous banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting merges classic comfort with elegant dessert charm. Moist layers of banana-rich goodness paired with silky cream cheese create a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 large ripe bananas)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

Dry Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) heavy cream or milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Banana slices
• A sprinkle of cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease coating or parchment paper lining.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Reserve this blend to the side.
3. Transform butter and sugars into a creamy, aerated mixture using an electric mixer, blending softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the texture becomes light and voluminous, which typically requires 2-3 minutes of continuous beating.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then seamlessly fold in vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic depth.
5. Enhance the batter’s moisture and richness by incorporating sour cream and thoroughly mashed bananas, stirring until the ingredients are harmoniously combined.
6. Gently merge the dry ingredient blend with the wet mixture, folding carefully to maintain the cake’s delicate structure. Mix only until ingredients are just united, preventing potential toughness from overmixing.
7. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to create an even surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center. Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan before adorning with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

• Ripeness matters for bananas: Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Prevent dry cake by carefully measuring flour and avoiding overmixing, which can develop tough gluten and create dense texture.
• Customize the recipe by adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg