If you love banana bread but want something a little more indulgent, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s like banana bread’s softer, sweeter, cake-like cousin—moist, fluffy, and topped with the most luscious cream cheese frosting.
It’s perfect for dessert, brunch, or even breakfast (because who’s judging?). With just the right amount of cinnamon, brown sugar, and ripe bananas, this cake is loaded with comforting flavors. And that rich, tangy frosting? Absolutely irresistible.
Let’s dive into how to make this easy, bakery-style banana cake at home!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cake
- Soft, moist, and fluffy – Thanks to ripe bananas and sour cream, this cake is incredibly tender.
- Cream cheese frosting perfection – Sweet, tangy, and ultra-creamy, it complements the banana flavor beautifully.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor – Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples that come together for a show-stopping dessert.
- Perfect for any occasion – Serve it as a weeknight treat, holiday dessert, or even a birthday cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12-15 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 25-30 mins)
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, stirring until fully combined.
Fold in the mashed bananas, mixing just until combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix—a few lumps are okay!
5. Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tbsp of milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Frost & Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
Slice, serve, and enjoy every moist, fluffy, and creamy bite!
Best Ways to Serve Banana Bread Cake
This cake is amazing on its own, but here are a few delicious ways to elevate your slice:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce – A little extra indulgence never hurts!
- Top with fresh banana slices – For a fresh, fruity touch.
- Pair with a cup of coffee – The perfect cozy treat for a morning or afternoon break.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut – A tropical twist that pairs beautifully with banana.
My Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cake
- Use overripe bananas – The riper, the better! Brown, spotty bananas bring out the best natural sweetness in the cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter – A light stir ensures a tender, fluffy texture. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Let the cake cool completely – If you frost too soon, the frosting will melt!
- Make it ahead – This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:
- Banana Nut Cake – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake – Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Spiced Banana Cake – Increase the cinnamon to 1 tsp and add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Banana Coconut Cake – Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Bake in a lined muffin tin at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Q: How do I store banana bread cake?
A: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Q: Can I freeze banana bread cake?
A: Yes! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the cake will be denser. Try using 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 cup whole wheat flour for the best balance.
Why You Need to Try This Banana Bread Cake
If you love moist, fluffy, and flavor-packed banana treats, this cake is a must-bake. It’s incredibly easy, comes together with simple ingredients, and is topped with the most irresistible cream cheese frosting.
Whether you make it for a family dessert, a brunch centerpiece, or even a special breakfast, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! And if you put your own spin on it—maybe adding chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or extra spices—I’d love to hear about it. Happy baking!
This Banana Bread Cake is Soft, Sweet, and Topped with the Best Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth.
- Once the banana bread cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy your delicious banana bread cake!
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