Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves classic banana bread but wants something a little more indulgent and cake like. This recipe transforms overripe bananas into a soft, tender cake topped with a rich and fluffy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Whether you are baking for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or simply to use up ripe bananas on your counter, this banana bread cake delivers bakery quality results every single time.
Why You Will Love This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This banana bread cake is everything you love about banana bread but lighter, softer, and more decadent. The sour cream keeps the cake extra moist, while the ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and bold banana flavor. The cream cheese frosting is thick, smooth, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. It is baked in a simple 9×13 pan, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Best of all, this cake tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Ingredients
Banana Cake Ingredients
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup full fat sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas, about 3 bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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8 oz full fat cream cheese
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Step by Step How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. At first the mixture may look crumbly, but continue beating for a couple of minutes until it becomes light, pale, and fluffy.
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden and the edges set.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To prepare the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Start mixing on low speed, then increase as needed until the frosting becomes thick, smooth, and fluffy.
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts if desired.
Helpful Tips
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. Full fat sour cream and cream cheese provide the richest texture and taste. Always let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting. For clean slices, refrigerate the frosted cake for about 30 minutes before cutting. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid a dense cake.
Substitutions And Variations
Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream if needed, though full fat works best. You can replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans to the batter for extra texture. If you prefer less frosting, simply spread a thinner layer or reduce the frosting ingredients by half.
Storage Instructions
Store the frosted banana bread cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. For the best texture and flavor, allow slices to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Unfrosted cake can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature overnight.
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional values are estimates based on one serving of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Actual values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
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Serving Size: 1 slice
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Calories: 350 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 52 g
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Sugar: 39 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 15 g
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Saturated Fat: 9 g
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Cholesterol: 57 mg
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Sodium: 294 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
Serving Suggestions
Serve this banana bread cake chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference. It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. For special occasions, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with cinnamon. This cake also works beautifully for birthdays, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I make banana bread cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is ideal for making ahead. Bake the cake, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature overnight. Frost it a few hours before serving for best results.
Should banana bread cake be served cold or at room temperature?
Both options are delicious. Serving it slightly chilled gives the frosting a firmer texture, while room temperature makes the cake softer and more traditional.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing and adding to the batter.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots are best. They provide the strongest banana flavor and natural sweetness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let slices sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for baking this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This is one of those comforting, reliable recipes that never disappoints. I truly love how simple it is to make and how incredibly moist and flavorful it turns out every time. Whether you are sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying a slice for yourself, I hope this cake brings joy to your kitchen. Wishing you happy baking, delicious results, and many sweet moments ahead.
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a soft, moist banana cake made with ripe bananas and topped with thick, fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert, gatherings, or make ahead treats.
Ingredients
Banana Cake
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup full fat sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed ripe bananas, about 3 bananas
Cream Cheese Frosting
1/2 cup butter, softened
8 oz full fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. At first the mixture may look crumbly, but continue beating for a couple of minutes until it becomes light, pale, and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden and the edges set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To prepare the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Start mixing on low speed, then increase as needed until the frosting becomes thick, smooth, and fluffy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Always allow the cake to cool fully before frosting. This cake tastes even better the next day and can be made ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + Time Cooling time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American