Introduction
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect balance between a classic banana bread and a tender, bakery-style cake. It has the comforting flavor of ripe bananas but with a lighter crumb and a luscious frosting that elevates it into true dessert territory. I often make this recipe when I have overripe bananas on the counter and want something a little more special than traditional banana bread. The cake stays incredibly moist for days, and the tangy cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the bananas. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, casual celebrations, or even as a make-ahead treat for the week. What I appreciate most is its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no fancy ingredients, just a reliable recipe that delivers consistent results. Once you try it, this banana bread cake will likely replace your go-to banana dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is soft, moist, and full of banana flavor without being heavy. It is easy to prepare, forgiving for beginners, and topped with a smooth frosting that makes it feel indulgent yet familiar.
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Ultra Moist and Irresistibly Soft
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tender cake made with ripe bananas and topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting—perfect as a dessert or sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk
- For frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Do not frost the cake while warm.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas are the foundation of this cake, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and depth of flavor. The riper they are, the better the taste.
All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and balances the slight tang of the bananas.
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the banana flavor.
Unsalted butter contributes richness and helps create a soft, cake-like texture.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add stability to the batter.
Sour cream keeps the cake exceptionally moist and adds a gentle tang.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Baking soda helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
Salt sharpens the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting, offering a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky and spreadable.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing a rectangular baking pan by greasing it lightly. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Gradually fold in the mashed bananas. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in stages, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake before slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about twelve servings. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, and baking time is around 35 to 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days due to the cream cheese frosting. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe adapts beautifully to personal preferences. You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast. Chocolate chips work well if you prefer a sweeter dessert. For a spiced version, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the banana flavor. If you want a lighter frosting layer, reduce the amount of frosting or serve it on the side. You can also bake the batter as cupcakes, adjusting the baking time accordingly. For a slightly healthier twist, part of the flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This cake provides energy from carbohydrates and natural sugars from bananas. It contains dairy and eggs. Using reduced-fat cream cheese or less sugar can help lower the overall calorie content.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use very ripe bananas
Dark, spotty bananas deliver the strongest flavor and sweetness.
Do not overmix the batter
Gentle mixing keeps the cake light and soft.
Cool completely before frosting
Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and lose structure.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and frosted before serving.
Can I freeze banana bread cake?
The unfrosted cake freezes well for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A standard rectangular baking pan is ideal for even baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect moisture.
Is this cake dense?
No, it has a light, tender crumb similar to a snack cake.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works well.
How do I know when it is done baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make it gluten-free?
A gluten-free flour blend can be used with good results.
Does the frosting need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cream cheese.
Can I add fruit on top?
Fresh banana slices can be added just before serving.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting, reliable dessert that transforms simple ingredients into something special. Moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it is a recipe you will come back to again and again.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!