Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the luscious moistness of ripe bananas baked into a tender cake, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, then topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that’s just the right balance of sweet and velvety. It’s like your favorite banana bread got dressed up for a special occasion and stole the show. This recipe delivers all the comfort and nostalgia of classic banana bread but with a cake’s delightful texture and a frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this is one recipe you won’t want to miss out on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—from the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas to the warm cinnamon spice that gently perfumes the batter. Getting these essentials right ensures a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistibly inviting.
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas: Choose really ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness to the cake.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cake extra tender.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake delectably moist and soft.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with sweetness without overpowering.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a slight molasses note and enhances moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The key structure builder for the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and creates a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, comforting spice that complements the bananas.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: For the luscious, tangy frosting that brings everything together.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps create a smooth and creamy frosting texture.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting wonderfully.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for the cake to bake evenly from the moment it goes in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or use a nonstick spray—the lining makes lifting the cake out afterward a breeze and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of mashed ripe bananas, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blending ensures your cake is dense yet moist, with flavors beautifully fused.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift or stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients separately prevents overworking the batter and helps distribute the leavening agents evenly for a perfect rise.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake, but a light hand keeps it tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as that warm, cinnamon-spiced banana aroma fills the air.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling completely, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat again until fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is what transforms this banana bread cake into something truly special.
Step 7: Frost and Finish
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into generous squares and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure comfort.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant finish, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting to add a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy texture. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana slices can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad with berries or sliced apples complements the warm banana flavors perfectly, brightening each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your banana bread cake as a layered dessert by cutting it into cake layers and sandwiching frosting and fruit preserves between them. Alternatively, cut the cake into mini-sized squares and serve them on decorative toothpicks for a charming party treat that’s easy to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover banana bread cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help retain moisture and freshness for up to 3 to 4 days, so you can savor it slowly without losing any of its delicious texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some cake for later, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your refrigerated or thawed slice back to life, warm it gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This softens the cake and frosting slightly, making it taste freshly baked again without melting the frosting entirely.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the banana bread cake?
Absolutely! Adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips directly into the batter before baking adds delightful texture and flavor variations. It’s a delicious way to customize your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk in the same amount. Both provide that subtle tang and moisture that keep the cake tender and flavorful.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Choose bananas that are very ripe and spotted with brown or black patches. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that is a 1:1 replacement for regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake because of the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those rare treats that feels like homemade comfort wrapped in a slice of delight. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying quietly with a cup of coffee on a cozy afternoon. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of that tender banana cake paired with luscious, tangy frosting. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your go-to dessert for any occasion!
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the comforting taste of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake offers a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, enhanced by the smooth texture and tang of cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking spray for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out smooth. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula or knife.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 portions and serve. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
