Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate way to blend the cozy comfort of banana bread with the decadence of cake, you need to try Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This lush bake takes everything you love about classic banana bread—the moist crumb, gentle spice, and natural sweetness—and crowns it with a thick, silky layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for family gatherings, lazy weekends, or whenever a little extra joy is required, this recipe transforms everyday bananas into a showstopping dessert you’ll want to share again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you’ll need for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting might already be in your pantry! Each ingredient plays a crucial role, either contributing flavor, tenderness, or richness to the final cake, so don’t skimp or swap unless you have to—trust me, it’s worth it.

• Ripe bananas: Use the brownest bananas you can find for the best sweet, intense flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter brings both structure and a deep, buttery taste to the cake and the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s airy texture.
• Brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a delicious caramel-like note that’s wonderful with bananas.
• Eggs: Bind the batter together and add necessary lift and structure.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances both the cake and the frosting with warmth and aroma.
• Sour cream: For tang and incomparable moistness—don’t skip it!
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your banana bread cake, giving it a perfect crumb.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners make sure your cake is blissfully light and tall.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all those sweet flavors beautifully.
• Cinnamon: Adds depth and gentle spice, turning this bake into pure comfort.
• Cream cheese: The frosting’s star—be sure it’s softened so the result is velvety smooth.
• Powdered sugar: What gives the frosting its pillowy sweetness and structure.
• Milk: A splash helps achieve that perfect spreadable frosting consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan—this simple step ensures your cake comes out easily and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost doubled in size. This extra beating ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will be melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Bananas

One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the mashed bananas. The bananas not only flavor the cake but also help keep it irresistibly moist.

Step 4: Mix in the Sour Cream

Gently blend in the sour cream until just combined. This step adds richness and a wonderful, subtle tang that lightens up the banana flavor.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures everything is evenly distributed before hitting the batter, meaning your cake rises perfectly every time.

Step 6: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. The goal here is to avoid overmixing, which keeps the crumb of your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tender and delicate.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be beautifully golden and your kitchen will start smelling absolutely heavenly.

Step 8: Cool the Cake Completely

Patience pays off! Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack until it’s completely cool to the touch. This ensures the frosting will glide on smoothly and won’t turn runny.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is totally smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk, beating until you have a creamy, spreadable frosting.

Step 10: Frost and Chill

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake. Refrigerate your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting until set, or until you’re ready to serve. Get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

The crowning touch for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is in the details! Sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a few banana slices for extra flair. For a festive touch, add some chocolate shavings or delicate edible flowers.

Side Dishes

This indulgent cake is glorious all on its own, but if you’re hosting, pair each slice with a cup of strong coffee, chai, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A bowl of fresh berries can also add brightness and make dessert feel especially celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try cutting the cake into mini squares for a dessert tray, layer slices with frosting as a banana bread cake trifle, or serve in mason jars for a rustic touch. However you share it, Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to disappear quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly covered in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist for up to four days, and the frosting keeps its dreamy texture. Be sure to let slices sit out for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this treat! Unfrosted cake freezes best; wrap cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. For frosted leftovers, a quick chill in the freezer before wrapping helps preserve the frosting. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

If you prefer your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the banana flavor and softens the crumb—just note the frosting will become a little softer.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great swap for sour cream in Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, keeping it moist with a subtle tang—just use equal amounts for perfect results.

How do I know when the cake is finished baking?

Your cake is perfectly baked when a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Of course! Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips right before baking for extra crunch or chocolatey richness in every bite of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Is this cake good for special occasions?

This is a celebration-ready recipe! The plush cake and luscious frosting make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting a hit at birthdays, potlucks, brunches, or anytime you need a little bit of homemade comfort.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but be mindful of baking time. An 8×8 pan will yield a thicker cake and need extra time; divide the batter between two rounds for a layer cake or use a cupcake tin for individual treats—just watch for doneness!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of banana bread and cake joining forces, this is the moment to make it happen! Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure homemade happiness—cozy, creamy, and full of irresistible flavor. Whip up a batch and share it with those you love; you’ll soon see why it’s bound to become a cherished favorite.

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