The Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a moist, flavorful cake that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake is easy to make and delivers a deliciously soft texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
Whether you’re a banana bread lover or just looking for a simple yet decadent cake, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, stirring until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve!
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise.
- Spiced Version: Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Cooking Notes
- Ripe Bananas Matter: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake in advance and frost just before serving for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Topped with Nuts or Caramel: Sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- As a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two round cake pans for a stunning layer cake.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced bananas or berries for a fresh touch.
Tips
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder & Soda: Ensure they are fresh for the best rise.
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
- Make It Sweeter: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of honey for a naturally sweetened cake.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I make this cake without sour cream?
Yes! Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
How do I keep my cake from being too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
How can I make this cake healthier?
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, and replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Can I use another type of frosting?
Absolutely! A brown butter frosting or vanilla buttercream would be delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
The Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an easy-to-make, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or a special celebration, this cake delivers a moist, tender bite every time. Try different variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy a slice of this delightful banana bread cake!
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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, stirring until well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Frost and Serve
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Ripe Bananas Matter: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Bake the cake in advance and frost just before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 4 g