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If you have a soft spot for rich, moist sweets that taste like a warm hug, then you are going to fall completely head over heels for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s like your favorite banana bread got an elegant upgrade into a luscious, dreamy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender crumb soaked with ripe bananas combined with the tangy, silky cream cheese frosting creates a perfect flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible. I love how each bite is packed with the cozy sweetness of bananas while the frosting adds just the right hint of creaminess that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack a punch. Each one plays a crucial role—from the ripe bananas bringing natural sweetness and moisture, to the spices enhancing warmth, all the way to the creamy frosting that crowns the cake with perfection.
- Mashed ripe bananas: Use about 3 large bananas to ensure maximum banana flavor and moist texture.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and help create the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a luscious crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while aiding in achieving a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s structure.
- Baking soda: Helps leaven the batter for a light texture.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda for optimum rise.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice to complement the bananas.
- Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the tangy, creamy frosting that tops the cake perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out clean and beautiful after baking. This simple step sets the foundation for a perfect bake every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture is where the banana magic begins, infusing the batter with moisture and rich flavor that sets this cake apart from ordinary banana breads.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is what makes the cake tender and gives it that melt-in-your-mouth texture—patience here really pays off!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly blend the banana mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Adding the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture keeps the batter smooth without overmixing, which helps maintain a perfect cake crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the frosting—this wait is so worth it for the cream cheese frosting to spread flawlessly.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip until light and fluffy. This frosting is everything you want—rich yet tangy and perfectly sweet. Spread it evenly over the cooled cake for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting just before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can also add a lovely touch of warmth and shine, making every slice even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For brunch or dessert, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness with a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, cut the cake into neat squares and serve on a rustic wooden board with extra frosting dolloped on the side for dipping. Alternatively, layer the cake slices with a spread of cream cheese frosting in between to create mini banana bread cake sandwiches that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to five days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert that you can enjoy throughout the week without any fuss.
Freezing
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe also freezes beautifully. You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When frozen, it keeps well for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, especially if frosted, as the cream cheese frosting may soften too much or melt. Enjoy it just warm enough to unlock deeper flavors and softness.
FAQs
Can I add nuts to the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter is a fantastic way to introduce some crunch and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients for the best distribution.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly once thawed and mashed. They are actually a great option because freezing often concentrates their sweetness and makes them softer for mashing.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the frosted Banana Bread Cake?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, refrigeration is recommended to keep it fresh and safe. Just take the cake out a few minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for the best taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The cake should also spring back lightly when pressed gently on top.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is hands down one of those desserts that bring both comfort and celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or simply to treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, this cake never disappoints. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection, guaranteed to delight friends and family alike!
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Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines ripe bananas with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake offers a delightful cinnamon-spiced banana flavor topped with a smooth cream cheese icing, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender cake texture.
- Combine Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the banana mixture to the creamed butter and sugars. Stir until fully combined but do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture and stir carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake surface. Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving for best results.
Notes
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and crunch.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- This banana bread cake freezes well, both frosted and unfrosted. Wrap tightly before freezing.
