If you have a soft spot for anything banana-flavored, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It takes the comforting essence of classic banana bread and upgrades it into a moist, tender cake layered with the most luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfectly balanced between rich sweetness and a hint of cinnamon spice, making it an irresistible treat to enjoy with friends, family, or all by yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role in perfecting the texture, flavor, and overall appeal of the cake. From the ripe bananas bringing natural sweetness and moisture to the cream cheese in the frosting adding that signature tang, get ready to gather these essentials.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and moistness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to hold it all together with the right crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and stay tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice for an inviting aroma.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Imparts a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds slight tanginess.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the frosting, tangy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Makes the frosting luscious and easy to spread.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Complements the cream cheese flavor beautifully.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances sweetness and highlights flavors.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This simple mix will ensure that your cake bakes evenly and gains just the right amount of subtle spice without overpowering the banana flavor. Keep this bowl nearby as it will be added later to your wet mixture.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps your cake become tender and airy. The combination of sugars also provides depth in sweetness and a bit of moisture.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Flavor
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This makes sure everything is well incorporated and smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract and your mashed bananas, which bring that irresistible fruit flavor and moisture that makes this cake special.
Step 4: Incorporating Sour Cream
Mix the sour cream into the wet mixture until fully combined. Sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and helps maintain moisture so your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will stay soft and fresh even after cooling.
Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. It’s important to mix just until no streaks of flour remain; overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake, and we want the texture as light and tender as possible.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before moving on to the frosting.
Step 7: Making Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is what truly elevates the cake, giving it a luscious tangy finish that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.
Step 8: Frosting the Cooled Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Take your time to create a smooth, inviting surface — because presentation matters, and this frosting deserves to shine. Once frosted, slice up and prepare to impress everyone with this tempting treat.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To add that extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting. These nuts bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s softness and the creamy frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or some banana slices also makes for a pretty, inviting garnish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert indulgence. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a cup of strong coffee. The cake’s sweetness and cream cheese tang complement many flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try individual servings by cutting the banana bread cake into squares and topping each with a decorative swirl of frosting and a walnut half. For festive occasions, add edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles. Using cupcake liners and reducing the baking time can transform this recipe into adorable banana bread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, wrap the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires chilling and the cake will stay moist and delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later or bake in advance, freeze the unfrosted banana bread cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and frost it fresh. Freezing will preserve the cake’s moist texture and flavor beautifully.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature due to the cream cheese frosting, avoid microwaving frosted slices. Instead, bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving. If reheating unfrosted pieces, warm them gently in a low oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes to keep moisture intact.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the granulated and brown sugars slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind it may affect the moisture and texture a bit since sugar also helps soften the cake.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These options maintain the tangy flavor and moisture that sour cream provides.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder to get the right texture. Baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on doneness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely. Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans is a delicious way to add crunch and enhance flavor. You can also experiment with chocolate chips or dried fruits.
How long can I leave the cake at room temperature?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best not to leave the cake out for more than 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness. Store it refrigerated if you’re not planning to eat it right away.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that never fails to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. It’s easy enough to bake any day of the week yet special enough for celebrations. So grab your bananas, crank up the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful, cozy cake. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring ripe bananas and warm cinnamon spice. The cake is tender and elevated by a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion or casual treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each. Then stir in vanilla extract and mashed bananas for moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully combined; this adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overworking the batter.
- Transfer Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until creamy and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
