Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the comforting taste of banana bread with the soft, fluffy texture of cake. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra moist and packed with banana flavor
  • Simple ingredients and easy to make
  • Perfect balance of sweetness with a creamy, tangy frosting
  • Great for using up overripe bananas
  • Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Banana Bread Cake:

  • Ripe bananas (mashed)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
  • Butter (melted)
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice as a substitute)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Butter (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Directions

Make the Banana Bread Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
  4. Frost the cake once completely cooled.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12-15 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • Spiced Flavor: Add nutmeg or allspice for a richer taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
  • Reheating: Enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day ahead and frost it before serving.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

No, you can use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as a substitute.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce powdered sugar and add a little more cream cheese for a tangier taste.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

What type of bananas work best?

Overripe bananas with brown spots give the best flavor and moisture.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.

Should I refrigerate this cake?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting, store it in the fridge.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, coconut milk, and a vegan cream cheese substitute.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! Try buttercream, whipped cream, or even a caramel glaze.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Don’t overmix the batter, and use very ripe bananas for natural moisture.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fusion of banana bread and cake, creating a soft, moist dessert that’s rich in flavor. The creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of pure comfort!

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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Dessert
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: American

Description

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect combination of moist banana bread and rich, creamy frosting. Packed with sweet banana flavor and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. A must-try for banana lovers!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Banana Bread Cake:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Banana slices
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
  5. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting:

  1. Beat the Cream Cheese – In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar & Vanilla – Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. If needed, add 1 tbsp milk to adjust consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake – Once the cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Garnish (Optional) – Sprinkle with chopped walnuts, banana slices, or chocolate shavings for extra flavor and texture.

Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Slice and Serve – Enjoy your delicious, moist banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting!

Notes

  • For a denser texture, reduce the baking soda to ½ tsp.
  • If you like a stronger banana flavor, use extra-ripe bananas (brown and spotty ones work best).
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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