Name: Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; pinch of salt

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If you’re craving something that perfectly merges the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the decadent flair of a cake, you’re in for a real treat with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe captures the soul-warming flavor of ripe bananas and pairs it with an irresistibly smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s as perfect for casual weekday indulgence as it is for special get-togethers. You’ll be amazed at how every bite is layered with moistness, sweetness, and a silky finish that makes this cake truly unforgettable.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each item is carefully chosen to amplify the cake’s texture and flavor, so be sure not to skip anything! Here’s how every ingredient makes its mark.

Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups, about 3 large): Overripe bananas are the heart of this recipe, giving natural sweetness and incredible moisture.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): This forms the sturdy yet tender base for the cake, balancing the bananas’ softness.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a light, fluffy crumb and helps the cake rise beautifully.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice, enhancing the banana aroma.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Offers richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist for days without becoming heavy.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Introduces a touch of molasses for depth and extra softness.
Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and give structure to the cake.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon for frosting): Infuses the cake and frosting with a lovely aromatic note.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Keeps the crumb extra moist and tender, with a slight tang.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Essential for that luscious, tangy, creamy frosting.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in both the cake and the frosting.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Heat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, grease it thoroughly, and give it a light dusting of flour. This extra step guarantees an easy release and a clean slice every time.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these first ensures the leavening and spices are distributed evenly for a consistent flavor and rise throughout your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and looks almost like frosting itself. This step is the secret to a cake that’s airy and indulgent, making the final result impossibly moist.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Flavorings

Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add your vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Your batter should look creamy and speckled with beautiful banana bits.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix! You want to preserve that lovely tenderness that sets Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting apart from dry banana cakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, holding back your excitement for the ultimate reward.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, use a mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the frosting turns fluffy and perfectly spreadable.

Step 8: Frost the Cake Generously

Once your cake is completely cool, slather the luscious cream cheese frosting over the top, spreading it evenly to every edge. This is the crowning glory that transforms banana bread into a cake worthy of celebration.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Take your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to the next level with simple, delicious garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans brings texture and visual appeal, while a dusting of ground cinnamon or a few banana slices make it look bakery-fresh on your dessert table.

Side Dishes

Though this cake is already a star, it makes a beautiful pairing with a cool glass of milk or a strong cup of coffee for brunch. If you’re serving a crowd, balance your spread with a bright fruit salad or tangy citrus sorbet to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into dainty squares for afternoon tea, or use round cookie cutters for fancy single-serve cakes at parties. For special occasions, try layering cubes in mini dessert cups with extra frosting and a sprinkle of nuts to impress your guests with a Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting parfait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting fresh, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays moist and delicious for up to four days—making it perfect for both party leftovers and weekday treats.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! For best results, cut it into slices and wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. The cream cheese frosting maintains its creamy texture even after thawing, so you’ll always have an indulgent snack ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

If you crave a warm slice, bring the cake to room temperature or gently microwave it for 10–15 seconds. The frosting turns gloriously creamy, and the cake’s banana aroma intensifies, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw the bananas completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and measuring. They’re just as flavorful and perfect for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Is it necessary to use both butter and oil?

Using both gives you the best of both worlds: butter lends a rich flavor while oil ensures long-lasting moistness. If you’re out of one, you can substitute with more of the other, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Expect a slightly different crumb, but the cake will still be delicious and beautifully moist.

What’s the best way to frost the cake?

For a smooth, professional look, use an offset spatula to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cool cake. Add your garnishes right away so they stick perfectly.

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

Definitely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it just before serving, or even frost it and refrigerate overnight. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more divine after some chill time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about the dreamy combination of banana, moist cake, and tangy cream cheese that makes this treat so special. Share your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with friends and family, or sneak a piece for yourself when you need a pick-me-up. Give it a try and watch it disappear slice by slice!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of moist banana cake and creamy cream cheese frosting with this scrumptious Banana Bread Cake recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla, mashed bananas, and sour cream. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.