There are few things in the baking world as delightful as the luscious, tender crumb of a Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine all the nostalgia of classic banana bread—except lighter, taller, and crowned with a dreamy, tangy layer of cream cheese frosting. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a celebration: moist banana cake, subtly spiced and just sweet enough, transformed by a cloud of rich, pillowy frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just because, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting bridges the gap between homey comfort and true dessert decadence.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together for the ultimate Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting experience. Don’t worry—nothing is hard to find, and each component brings a unique touch to the flavor, softness, or simple joy of the cake.

Ripe bananas: The riper, the better! Their natural sugars and moisture make the cake extra sweet and flavorful.
Unsalted butter: Softened to blend perfectly, it lends richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor depth that balances the banana’s sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Provides that essential sweet lift without overpowering the other flavors.
Large eggs: Give the cake structure and extra moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the cake’s cozy, comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cake, creating just the right amount of lift.
Baking soda: Reacts with the bananas to give the cake a beautiful, fluffy rise.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweet flavors—never skip it!
Cinnamon: Adds a gentle, aromatic warmth that sings alongside the bananas.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Locks in extra moisture for an irresistibly soft bite and subtle tang.
Cream cheese: The heart of our frosting—make sure it’s softened for ultra-smooth mixing.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the frosting for silky sweetness.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with classic, bakery-style flavor.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Rounds out the sweet and tangy notes 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) to make sure it’s nice and hot by the time your batter is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for extra-easy removal. This little step ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes out flawless, without sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale—it should look almost like frosting! This gives the cake its soft texture and ensures a light, sweet base.

Step 3: Blend in Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas. This is where you’ll notice the batter taking on that signature banana bread aroma—don’t be surprised if everyone in the house comes wandering into the kitchen!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring only until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stop once you see almost no flour streaks.

Step 5: Incorporate the Sour Cream

Fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This is your secret weapon for never-dry cake! The batter should become thick, creamy, and incredibly fragrant at this point.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan—patience here pays off when it’s time to frost.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky and combined. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until your frosting is thick, smooth, and irresistible—it should hold soft peaks.

Step 8: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy!

Once your cake is completely cooled, gently spread the Cream Cheese Frosting over the top. Slice into generous squares and serve. Each bite delivers everything you love about Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: moist crumb, fruity richness, and a perfect tangy-sweet finish.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

You can take Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to the next level with a handful of toasted walnuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a swirl of melted chocolate on top. For a playful touch, add banana slices or a few pieces of crystallized ginger to each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a steaming cup of coffee, an iced chai latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure dessert magic. Light, fresh fruit salads also make a lovely, refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to simple squares! Cut your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into rounds using a biscuit cutter for a bakery-worthy look, layer slices with extra frosting in mason jars for parties, or serve tiny bite-sized cubes on a platter for a brunch buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pan tightly or transfer pieces to an airtight container. The frosted Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting holds beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for the ideal flavor and texture before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake (with or without frosting)! Cut into individual pieces, wrap each one in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick treat.

Reheating

For the ultimate comfort, zap slices in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds to revive that oven-fresh flavor and soften the frosting slightly. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt a bit more than you want.

FAQs

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Stir in up to ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them into the finished batter before baking and enjoy an even more decadent Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

What makes this cake different from classic banana bread?

The addition of sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lighter texture, a larger baking pan, and that creamy frosting transform the banana bread into a true cake: taller, fluffier, and perfectly party-ready!

Do I have to use sour cream, or can I substitute something else?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and even plain yogurt will work in a pinch. Both options keep your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting moist and give it a subtle tang.

How can I tell if my bananas are ripe enough?

Look for bananas with lots of brown spots all over the peel—these pack the most sweetness and strong banana flavor! Even slightly overripe bananas are perfect for this cake.

Can I make this as cupcakes instead of a sheet cake?

Yes! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness. Top each cupcake with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting for individual Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting treats.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting yet, consider this your invitation to bake, share, and savor the goodness. Every bite is a reminder of how easy, special, and joyful homemade desserts can be. Get your bananas, whip up that dreamy frosting, and enjoy a new favorite cake that everyone will talk about long after the plates are clean!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Banana Bread Cake with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly ripe bananas and creamy frosting come together in this delightful dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and mashed bananas.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add to wet mixture and stir until combined.
Add Sour Cream: Fold in sour cream until smooth. Pour batter into pan and bake for 28–32 minutes.
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Serve: Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For added texture, mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
Refrigerate frosted cake for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American