Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Meet your new go-to dessert: Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cozy, moist, and brimming with classic banana flavor, this treat is everything you want from banana bread—only lighter, fluffier, and topped with a dreamy layer of tangy cream cheese icing. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch, family gathering, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, this cake has a magical way of making any moment feel extra special. Trust me, once you take that first sweet, tender bite, you’ll understand why Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is destined to become an all-time favorite at your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is how it transforms humble, everyday ingredients into something utterly irresistible. Each item adds its own touch: bananas deepen the moisture and sweetness, a hint of cinnamon offers cozy warmth, and that luscious cream cheese frosting brings it all together with a perfect tang. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for your cake.
• Baking soda: Lifts the batter for a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it!
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives a rich flavor and creamy texture to both cake and frosting, so let it come to room temperature before using.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, letting the banana flavor shine.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and keep the cake tender.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses everything with warm, aromatic notes.
• Mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas): The star of the show—use extra-ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake moist for days and adds a pleasant tang.
• Milk: Lightens up the batter and helps it bake evenly.
• Cream cheese (softened): Essential for that irresistible, creamy frosting—softening ensures smooth blending.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a luscious spread.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous greasing, followed by a light dusting of flour. This nifty trick ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting comes out with ease, every single time—no sticking drama here!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leaveners and spice, guaranteeing each bite will be perfectly tender and warmly spiced. It may seem simple, but it makes a real difference in the final cake!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, resulting in a plush, tender cake. Don’t rush it—creaming really does set the stage for that bakery-style bite.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. This not only binds everything together, but also adds lovely richness and aroma that you’ll appreciate with every slice.

Step 5: Combine Bananas, Sour Cream, and Milk

Now add in your mashed ripe bananas, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk. The bananas do double duty by infusing deep banana flavor and extra moisture, while the sour cream or yogurt locks in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir until everything is just smoothed out, with no major lumps.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing at this point could toughen your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, so stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Slide it into the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma of banana and cinnamon—resist the urge to dive in right away! Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until dreamy and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipping until the frosting is light and fluffy. Smooth this rich topping over your cooled cake and suddenly, your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is party-ready!

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Pop the frosted cake in the fridge for a bit to set the frosting, then slice and let everyone dig in. Each bite is pure comfort and joy—this cake really does have it all!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top or add some freshly sliced bananas. A sprinkle of cinnamon or even a drizzle of honey can take the look—and taste—up a notch, making your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

While this cake easily steals the spotlight, it pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a brunch spread, consider serving it with bowls of fresh berries or a creamy fruit salad. If you’re going all-out, a little dollop of whipped cream on the side never hurts!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get fancy, cut the cake into tidy squares and serve on a pretty platter, or bake the batter as cupcakes for individual treats. For a special occasion, bake in two round pans for a layered Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—just add extra frosting between the layers and wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay incredibly moist and delicious for 4–5 days. I recommend storing slices in an airtight container to preserve that irresistible texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—even with the frosting! For best results, cut into squares and wrap each piece individually, then store them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave a piece for about 15 seconds—that’s all it takes to bring back that fresh-baked coziness. Don’t overheat, or the frosting may melt and lose its fluffiness!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop even more after the cake has had time to rest. Bake and frost it the day before, store in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to impress whenever you are.

What’s the best way to mash bananas for the cake?

Just peel and use a fork or potato masher—super ripe bananas will mash easily. If you like small banana chunks in your cake, leave it a little chunky; for a smoother crumb, mash until no lumps remain.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Definitely! Full-fat Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute, offering the same moisture and tang that sour cream provides. Use whichever you have on hand.

How do I make sure my cream cheese frosting is lump-free?

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before you start. Beat them together really well before adding the powdered sugar and vanilla. This creates a silky-smooth, spreadable frosting every time.

Can I turn this into cupcakes or a layer cake?

Yes! For cupcakes, fill liners 3/4 full and bake for about 20 minutes. For a stunning layer cake, divide the batter between two round pans and increase the frosting as needed. Your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will be just as lovable in any format!

Final Thoughts

If you love banana bread, prepare to fall head over heels for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy enough for weekday baking and impressive enough for any celebration. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again, I promise!

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