There’s something about banana bread that always feels like home. The warm aroma, the sweet and slightly caramelized banana flavor, and the moist, tender crumb make it one of my favorite treats. But what if we took it up a notch? This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate upgrade—a lighter, fluffier version of classic banana bread with a rich and tangy frosting that makes it absolutely irresistible.
If you love banana bread but want something a little more decadent, this cake is for you. It’s soft, moist, and packed with real banana flavor, and the creamy, sweet, slightly tangy frosting takes it to the next level. It’s perfect for birthdays, brunches, or just an excuse to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try and how you can whip up this dreamy cake in no time!
Why This Recipe Works
I’ve made plenty of banana bread in my life, but turning it into a cake? Game-changer. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Light and fluffy texture – Unlike dense banana bread, this cake has a soft, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Sour cream for extra moisture – The secret ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly tender.
- Sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting – The perfect complement to the natural sweetness of the bananas.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – No fancy techniques required, just classic baking essentials.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Bake Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes)
For the Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Banana Bread Cake (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan
First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures the cake releases smoothly after baking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cake! Next, I beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Then, I mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which add moisture and enhance the cake’s flavor.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Finally, I fold in the mashed bananas. The riper the bananas, the better—the natural sweetness and moisture from the bananas give this cake its signature taste and texture.
3. Bake the Cake
I pour the batter into my prepared pan and smooth the top. Then, it’s off to the oven! The cake bakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, I let it cool completely before frosting—because no one wants a melty mess!
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, I get to work on the frosting. In a mixing bowl, I beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then, I stir in the vanilla extract before gradually adding the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. If the frosting is too thick, I add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to get it to a perfect spreadable consistency.
5. Frost and Serve!
Once the cake is completely cool, I spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. At this point, the cake looks absolutely divine, but if I want to make it extra special, I’ll sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top for added crunch.
Then, all that’s left to do is slice into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cake
- Use extra ripe bananas – The darker and spottier the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Stir until the ingredients are just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting – If the cake is warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
- Chill the frosting for 10 minutes before spreading – This makes it easier to spread smoothly.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cake
This cake is amazing on its own, but if you want to pair it with something extra special, try:
- A cup of hot coffee or tea – The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Fresh fruit on the side – Sliced strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tangy contrast.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce – If you love a little extra indulgence, this is a must!
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. If frosted, store it in the fridge.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Absolutely! Greek yogurt works as a great substitute and keeps the cake just as moist.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, frost, and serve.
A Cake Worth Baking Again and Again
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you love about banana bread but in a softer, fluffier, more decadent form. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and topped with the dreamiest frosting. Whether you make it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.
Try it out, and let me know what you think! Do you like adding extra toppings? Did you try a new twist? I’d love to hear how you made this cake your own. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Soft, Moist, and Irresistible Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
- Slice and serve your delicious banana bread cake with a smile!
Leave a Reply