Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings together the perfect marriage of moist, flavorful banana cake and a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that truly melts in your mouth. Bursting with warm cinnamon notes and bursting with fresh bananas, this cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a comforting hug from a dear friend. Every bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings or a simple weeknight indulgence. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for showcasing the humble banana in an unforgettable way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role to build its wonderful taste and texture. From ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to cream cheese that lends a luscious frosting, these essentials come together beautifully.

• Ripe bananas (1 ½ cups mashed): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moistness that keeps the cake tender.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives the cake structure while staying soft.
• Baking soda (1 tsp) and baking powder (½ tsp): Leavening agents that ensure your cake rises perfectly fluffy.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a warm, comforting spice to elevate the banana’s flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup softened + ¼ cup softened for frosting): Provides richness and tenderness in both cake and frosting.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup) and light brown sugar (¼ cup): Brown sugar introduces deeper caramel notes while granulated sugar keeps the sweetness bright.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds moisture and a faint tang to keep the crumb soft and flavorful.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp, divided): Brings warmth and depth to the cake and frosting.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces softened): The key to the frosting’s creamy tang that complements the cake beautifully.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect texture.
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the frosting and enhances flavor complexity.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper. This little extra step ensures the cake will lift out effortlessly after baking, giving you beautiful clean edges every time.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a bowl, mash 3 to 4 ripe bananas until smooth. Don’t worry about a few small lumps—they add wonderful texture and bursts of sweetness that shine through the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy and light. This aeration helps create a tender crumb with just the right amount of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs to your creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract. This step ensures a smooth, well-incorporated batter that rises consistently as it bakes.

Step 5: Combine Bananas and Sour Cream

Mix the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the wet ingredients until fully blended. This combination keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.

Step 6: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This evenly distributes the leavening and spice, ensuring every bite is consistent.

Step 7: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so be careful to keep it light and tender.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to spread.

Step 10: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana cake. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh banana slices right before serving to echo the star flavor and add a fresh, appealing look.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh banana slices on top add a lovely freshness and beautiful visual appeal, but you can also try chopped walnuts or toasted pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft cake and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream where you want to keep the dessert feeling extra indulgent and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as cupcakes or in layered mini cakes for special occasions. Sprinkling a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder over the frosting before serving adds a charming finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and maintains the cake’s moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw completely before frosting. The frosting itself can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, then whipped again before use.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a warm slice, gently microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds but avoid heating the frosting to prevent it from melting too much. Alternatively, remove frosting before warming and add fresh frosting after.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?

Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Overripe bananas work perfectly for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Do I have to use sour cream or can I substitute it?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream with great results. Both contribute moisture and a slight tanginess that complement the bananas beautifully.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The best test is using a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your cake is ready.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe without gluten. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.

What’s the best way to get smooth cream cheese frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before beating. Using room temperature ingredients and beating well gives you that light, fluffy frosting everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that keeps bringing people back for more. Moist, flavorful cake layered with the richest of frostings is a surefire way to brighten any day or occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and discover how simple ingredients can combine to create pure, delicious magic in your kitchen.

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