If you ever thought banana bread couldn’t get any better, wait until you try this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It takes that classic, comforting flavor of banana bread and elevates it into a luscious, moist cake that’s perfectly layered with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of sweet, spice, and creaminess that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something homemade and cozy, this recipe is a total game-changer you’ll be excited to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you — these ingredients are straightforward and accessible, but each plays a crucial role in building the flavor and texture of this delightful cake. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon adding warm spice, every component complements the others perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure and crumb of the cake.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure a light and tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice note that makes the cake extra special.
- Unsalted butter: Supplies richness and helps create a moist cake texture.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination offers sweetness plus a subtle molasses depth.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake tender and adds a slight tang.
- Cream cheese: The base of the frosting, giving it that creamy, tangy finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading.
- Milk: Used sparingly to adjust the frosting’s consistency.
How to Make Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and lightly dust it with flour or simply line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This foundational step ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. This blend combines the structure and spice that make the cake delightfully fragrant and fluffy.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration creates a tender crumb. Then add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each, and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 cup mashed ripe bananas and 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth and velvety. The bananas bring sweetness and moisture, while the sour cream keeps the cake soft and tender after baking.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently and just enough to combine — overmixing can make the cake dense, so take it slow and careful here to keep everything light.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with that irresistible aroma of banana and spice, getting you excited for the next step.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until you reach the perfect spreadable frosting consistency.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake is completely cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting generously on top. This frosting is what truly elevates the bite from delightful to unforgettable. Slice, serve, and watch this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe become your new favorite dessert!
How to Serve Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and a nutty complement to the creamy frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana slices can add visual appeal and deepen the banana flavor, making your cake as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth latte, turning an ordinary moment into an indulgent treat. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to contrast the cake’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into small squares for a buffet or party platter. You could also cut rounds with a cookie cutter and serve on individual plates decorated with drizzles of honey or chocolate sauce. Another fun idea is to layer this banana bread cake into a trifle with whipped cream and chopped nuts for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping it chilled not only preserves the frostings’ creaminess but helps the flavors meld beautifully over time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then freshly whip up the frosting and spread it on for best results.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds if you enjoy the cake slightly heated. Avoid reheating the whole cake to preserve the texture and the integrity of the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly and often make mashing easier. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before measuring out 1 cup for the batter.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that adds a similar tangy richness and helps keep the cake moist while adding a slight protein boost.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, egg replacers, and dairy-free cream cheese, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots—or even mostly brown skins. They’re sweeter and more fragrant, which really brings out the banana essence in the cake.
Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger pan or two pans works great. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness regularly, as larger cakes take longer to bake through.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try will truly brighten your baking repertoire. The marriage of moist, spiced banana bread and tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every occasion that calls for a little homemade comfort and a lot of delicious smiles.
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Amazing 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 Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake delivers a comforting blend of cinnamon-spiced banana bread and smooth cream cheese sweetness that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aerates the batter and creates a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugars, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix the mashed ripe bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) into the wet mixture until smooth and well combined, adding moisture and banana flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools completely, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice into servings and enjoy this delicious banana bread cake with rich frosting.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
