If you love banana bread but want something a little more indulgent, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect treat. Combining the moist, rich texture of banana bread with the soft and fluffy quality of a cake, this dessert is irresistible. Topped with a thick layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, it becomes a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, potluck, or just craving a sweet treat, this cake will not disappoint.
Banana bread cake is a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, turning them into a show-stopping dessert. The full-fat sour cream in the batter keeps the cake ultra-moist, while the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness. Garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts for an extra touch of elegance and crunch.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, from step-by-step instructions to expert baking tips and variations. Let’s dive in and make the best banana cake ever!
Why You Will Love This Banana Bread Cake Recipe
- Super Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to ripe bananas and full-fat sour cream, this cake stays incredibly moist and soft, bursting with banana flavor in every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced Frosting: The cream cheese frosting adds a luscious and tangy sweetness that complements the rich banana cake perfectly.
- Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process make this recipe foolproof for beginners and pros alike.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or casual dessert, this banana bread cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors develop even more overnight, making this an ideal dessert to prepare in advance.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle to make it your own.
- Pairs Well with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1½ 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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese, full-fat
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring the batter remains light and fluffy.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
- Beat on low speed initially, then increase speed until the frosting is thick and fluffy.
- If needed, add more powdered sugar for thickness or a splash of heavy cream for a looser consistency.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish the Cake
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
- Slice and serve!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated: Once frosted, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake a day before, let it cool completely, then cover with foil. Frost a few hours before serving.
Recipe Variations
1. Banana Nut Cake
Fold ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch.
2. Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Mix in ¾ cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
3. Caramel Banana Cake
Drizzle the frosted cake with homemade caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
4. Banana Cake Cupcakes
Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes to create individual cupcakes.
5. Lighter Version
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and reduce the sugar to 1¼ cups for a slightly healthier take.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cake
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Full-Fat Ingredients: Use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese for the best texture and richness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and become runny.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves banana-flavored treats. The cake is incredibly moist, bursting with fresh banana flavor, and topped with the creamiest frosting. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s guaranteed to impress.
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🍌 Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 1x
Description
There’s something special about the combination of moist banana cake and rich cream cheese frosting. This cake takes me back to family gatherings where we’d sit around the table, enjoying each bite while sharing stories. It’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create a dessert that’s soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, this banana cake will be the star of your dessert table!
Ingredients
Banana Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
4️⃣ Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.
5️⃣ Stir in mashed bananas, then pour batter into the baking dish.
6️⃣ Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
7️⃣ Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
8️⃣ Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
9️⃣ Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy cream. Beat until thick and fluffy.
🔟 Frost the cooled cake, then garnish with banana slices and chopped walnuts.
Notes
✔️ Use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese for the best texture!
✔️ For the best flavor, make this cake a day ahead. Let it sit overnight, then frost before serving.
✔️ Store in the fridge for a chilled treat, or serve at room temperature for a softer bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 52g per serving
- Protein: 5g per serving