Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist, Spiced & Perfectly Sweet

This Banana Bread Cake is everything you love about classic banana bread—moist, tender, and warmly spiced—elevated with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for brunches, birthdays, or anytime you want to turn ripe bananas into something truly special.

Introduction: A Comforting Classic with a Bakery-Worthy Upgrade

Banana bread is a beloved staple in many kitchens, and for good reason—it’s simple, satisfying, and a great way to use up overripe bananas. But when you take that same cozy flavor and transform it into a soft, tender cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, you’ve got something truly magical.

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a hybrid dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the dense, moist texture of banana bread and the light, fluffy crumb of a classic cake. The frosting adds a tangy-sweet finish that balances the natural sweetness of the bananas and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cake so delicious:

For the Banana Cake:

  • All-purpose flour (2 cups)
    The structural base of the cake—provides a tender crumb.
  • Baking soda (1 tsp)
    Reacts with the acidity in the sour cream and bananas to help the cake rise.
  • Ground cinnamon (¾ tsp)
    Adds warmth and depth.
  • Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp)
    Enhances the banana flavor with a subtle spice.
  • Salt (½ tsp)
    Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
  • Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened)
    Adds richness and moisture.
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup)
    Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture.
  • Eggs (2 large, room temperature)
    Provide structure and richness.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Adds a warm, aromatic note.
  • Mashed ripe bananas (1½ cups, about 3–4 bananas)
    The star ingredient—adds natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Sour cream (½ cup)
    Makes the cake extra moist and tender.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Full-fat brick cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
    Tangy and creamy—pairs perfectly with the banana cake.
  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
    Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
  • Powdered sugar (3 cups, sifted)
    Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Enhances the flavor and balances the tanginess.
  • Pinch of salt
    Rounds out the sweetness and adds depth.

Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top for extra flair.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl:

  • Beat ¾ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

This step is key for a tender, airy crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in:

  • 2 large eggs, one at a time
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Bananas & Sour Cream

Mix in:

  • 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas
  • ½ cup sour cream

The batter may look slightly curdled at this stage—don’t worry, that’s normal.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed until just combined—do not overmix.

Tip: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until:

  • The top is golden
  • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs

Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together:

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • ½ cup softened butter

Mix on medium speed until smooth and lump-free.

Gradually add:

  • 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Beat on low at first, then increase to high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost & Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Slice into squares and serve.

Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts, banana chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Brunches and potlucks
  • Birthday parties
  • Afternoon tea
  • Holiday dessert tables

Pair with:

  • A cup of coffee or chai
  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce

Presentation Tip: Serve on a white platter with banana slices and a dusting of cinnamon for a bakery-style look.

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:

Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking.

Coconut Banana Cake

Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter and top with toasted coconut flakes.

Banana Nut Cake

Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Gluten-Free

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost just before serving.
  • Refrigerate: Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

Tip: Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Notes (Per Slice, ~1 of 12)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Sugar: ~30g
  • Sodium: ~180mg
  • Fiber: ~1g

This cake is:

  • Moist and tender
  • Sweet and spiced
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a way to use up ripe bananas—it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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