Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for all things banana and crave something that feels like a warm hug from your oven, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful cake takes the classic comfort of banana bread and transforms it into a luscious, cake-like indulgence, crowned with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cheerful brunch, an afternoon tea, or just a cozy night in needing a little sweetness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is straightforward and rewarding. Each item plays a key role—from the ripeness of the bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture, to the softened butter that gives richness while the spices add a comforting depth of flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure and crumb.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly for a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds that warm, inviting spice note that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and tenderness to the cake.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet aroma enhancing all flavors.
• Ripe bananas (mashed): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moistness.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting’s rich, tangy creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly into a perfect shape, setting the stage for the wonderful textures to come.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the batter, preventing clumps and ensuring every bite has balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. This aeration is essential for achieving a tender cake crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate the Bananas and Sour Cream

Stir in your mashed ripe bananas and sour cream to the wet ingredients. The bananas bring incredible moisture and sweetness while sour cream adds a slight tang and tenderness, creating that quintessential banana bread cake texture you’ll love.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cake light and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your greased pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow it to cool completely, which is crucial before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This luscious topping adds a tangy sweetness that complements the banana cake perfectly.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into generous squares, serve, and bask in the joy of this marvelous Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the cake’s softness. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana chips can make the presentation extra special and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries also work wonderfully, adding a pop of color and brightness that complements the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter with decorative toothpicks. You can even layer it into a trifle with whipped cream and chopped bananas for a stunning dessert centerpiece. The possibilities with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are truly endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting keeps the cake moist, but refrigeration helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without frosting by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and then frost just before serving to maintain the best taste and texture.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. The frosting will soften slightly, giving you a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth experience reminiscent of freshly baked banana bread with that delightful cream cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with regular granulated sugar, but the cake will lose some of its moistness and that subtle caramel flavor that brown sugar provides. For the best results and richness, brown sugar is recommended.

What kind of bananas work best?

The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots or even mostly brown skin are ideal because they are sweeter and softer, which creates a moist, flavorful cake.

Is sour cream necessary in the recipe?

Sour cream adds a nice tang and extra moisture, making the cake incredibly tender. If you don’t have sour cream, you could substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar effect.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking, and frost once fully cooled.

How thick should I spread the cream cheese frosting?

Spread the frosting generously but evenly — about a quarter-inch thick is perfect. This balance offers a smooth, creamy topping without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly one of those special recipes that bring comfort, joy, and a little slice of heaven to your table. Its moist texture, warming spices, and luscious frosting come together to create a treat that’s perfect for any time you want to feel cozy and spoiled. I invite you to try baking this soon—you won’t regret filling your home with the irresistible scent of banana and cinnamon and enjoying every delicious bite!