If you’ve been searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the moist goodness of banana bread with the indulgence of luscious frosting, you’re in for a treat with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s like your favorite banana bread got dressed up for a special occasion, boasting a tender crumb soaked with ripe banana flavor and topped with a velvety, tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake brings comfort and celebration together, making it perfect for everything from afternoon tea to birthday parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a starring role, from the ripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture to the buttermilk which keeps the crumb wonderfully soft. The balance of sugars and the combination of baking soda and salt ensure perfect rising and flavor, while the frosting ingredients create a smooth, rich topping that complements the cake beautifully.
- Mashed ripe bananas: About 3 to 4 bananas, perfectly ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups to give structure without weighing down the cake.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cake rise evenly and achieve a tender texture.
- Salt: Just ¼ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors naturally.
- Unsalted butter, softened: A total of 1 cup, split between cake and frosting, adds richness and helps create a creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, offering sweetness and that classic crumb.
- Brown sugar: ½ cup packed, brings a subtle caramel note and moistness.
- Large eggs: 2 eggs to bind everything together and add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for a warm, fragrant depth.
- Buttermilk: ½ cup to tenderize the crumb and balance the sweetness; can substitute with milk and lemon juice.
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces to create that tangy, creamy frosting that’s simply irresistible.
- Powdered sugar: 3 to 4 cups, adjusted for your preferred frosting sweetness and thickness.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases cleanly and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agents evenly, which is key to that perfectly risen cake texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which will give your cake a delightful lift.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with aromatic warmth.
Step 5: Incorporate Bananas
Mix in your mashed ripe bananas. This is where the magic happens—the bananas add moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable flavor that makes this cake so comforting.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to your banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Be gentle and stir until just combined to keep the batter tender and avoid overmixing.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling like a warm hug!
Step 8: Cooling
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This step prevents the cake from breaking apart and helps it cool evenly, preparing it for the frosting.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and creamy. The frosting should be luscious but still spreadable—perfect for coating your banana bread cake.
Step 10: Frost and Serve
Once your cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice it up, serve, and watch smiles form all around the table.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas. A light dusting of cinnamon or even a drizzle of honey adds another layer of warmth and subtle sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent treat. For a more refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to brighten each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in individual trifle glasses layered with walnuts and sliced bananas for a charming twist. Or cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter; these little bites are perfect for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every last crumb.
Freezing
You can freeze this banana bread cake either before or after frosting. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and refresh the frosting if needed.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm slice, gently microwave individual pieces for about 15 to 20 seconds. This quick heat-up enhances the softness and releases the delightful aroma without melting the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the bananas before mashing. This helps maintain the perfect batter consistency so your cake stays moist but not soggy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries — you can make a simple substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to your batter for the same tenderizing effect.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free blend with xanthan gum, you can enjoy this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe without gluten. Just keep an eye on texture and baking times.
How do I get my cream cheese frosting smooth and not lumpy?
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature. Beat them together thoroughly before adding powdered sugar gradually—that smoothness is key for a luscious frosting.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Stir in about ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for extra texture and flavor. It’s a fun way to customize your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like gifting yourself a slice of pure joy—a tender, banana-packed cake topped with creamy frosting that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed hit that fills your kitchen with warmth and deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make sweet memories with every bite!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on classic banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, a blend of sugars, and a creamy, tangy frosting, it’s perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Baked to perfection in a 9×13-inch pan, this cake offers a soft crumb and rich taste that pairs wonderfully with the smooth cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar as a substitute)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt ensuring they are well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Bananas: Add the mashed ripe bananas to the mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternated with the buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to keep the batter moist and tender.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the banana bread batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until smooth and creamy, forming the base for your frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating after each addition until the frosting is fluffy and smooth, adjusting sweetness to taste.
- Frost the Cake: Once the banana bread cake has fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top to add a rich and tangy finish.
- Serve: Slice the frosted cake into 12 servings and enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes.
- For extra flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon cinnamon or ¼ cup chopped walnuts to the batter.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
