This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves banana bread but craves something a little more indulgent. Moist, flavorful banana cake topped with a tangy, smooth cream cheese frosting is the perfect combination of comforting and decadent. Whether I’m making it for a special occasion or just treating myself, this cake never disappoints!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes classic banana bread to the next level by transforming it into a soft, light cake, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The banana flavor shines through, but the frosting adds a delightful creamy tang that balances out the sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to make and is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up ripe bananas while making a deliciously satisfying treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prepare for the batter.
In a medium bowl, I combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
I add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, I stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. I mix until everything is well combined.
I pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is cooling, I make the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Then, I gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy.
Once the cake has cooled, I frost it with the cream cheese frosting and serve!

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Add nuts: If I want a bit of crunch, I can add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.
Spices: I can experiment with adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor that works especially well in fall.
Chocolate chips: Sometimes I mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness.
Vegan version: I can swap the butter and eggs for plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cake stays moist and delicious. To reheat, I simply microwave individual pieces for a few seconds or enjoy it cold! If I want to freeze it, I can freeze slices with parchment paper between them and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, I let them sit at room temperature or microwave them briefly.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as it sits!

Can I make this without cream cheese frosting?

While the cream cheese frosting is the star of the show, I can definitely skip it if I want a lighter version or simply dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor, making them perfect for banana bread and cake.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish, such as a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, and keep an eye on the cake to check for doneness.

How do I know when the cake is done?

I check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be lightly golden, and the cake should bounce back when pressed.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a fantastic way to indulge in a classic banana bread recipe with an extra layer of richness. The moist, flavorful banana cake paired with creamy frosting makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit every time!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Print Recipe

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a decadent twist on classic banana bread. The soft, moist banana cake is topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s easy to make, and the delightful combination of flavors makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make Frosting: While the cake is cooling, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
Frost and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, frost it with the cream cheese frosting and serve!

Notes

Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
Spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
Vegan Version: Substitute the butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian