If you crave a dessert that’s as cozy as a big, warm hug, Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will tug at your heartstrings. It effortlessly marries the moist richness of classic banana bread with the lighter, more celebratory spirit of a cake. Topped off with a silky cream cheese frosting, each bite feels special enough for a gathering yet simple enough for an everyday treat. This is comfort baking at its finest, and I can’t wait to share my favorite way to make this beloved treat shine in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples and a few ripe bananas, this recipe creates magic. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for the way it enhances the flavor, tenderness, or luxurious finish of the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure and just the right amount of softness to the cake crumb.
- Baking soda: The secret behind a beautifully risen, fluffy cake that doesn’t fall flat.
- Salt: Only a pinch, but it sharpens the banana’s natural sweetness and balances the frosting.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the ripe bananas perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (for both batter and frosting): Brings a rich, creamy base and blends everything together delightfully.
- Brown sugar: Lends caramel undertones that make the banana flavor even bolder.
- Eggs: Help bind the mixture, making the cake moist and rich.
- Vanilla extract (for cake and frosting): A dash infuses both the cake and frosting with comforting aroma and depth.
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—they’re your ticket to extra-moist, sweet cake!
- Sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, guaranteeing a tender crumb you’ll adore.
- Cream cheese (for frosting): Makes the frosting lush and tangy, beautifully balancing the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (for frosting): Whips up into a cloud-like, gently sweet frosting.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan. This ensures an even bake and makes removing the cake a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leavening so every bite is fluffier than the last, and it saves you from any surprise lumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until they’re light and fluffy. This adds air for a gorgeous crumb, while brown sugar’s molasses notes bring warmth to your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s just combined. These are your cake’s backbone, bringing richness and a gentle vanilla perfume.
Step 5: Stir in Bananas and Sour Cream
Mash your ripe bananas well, then fold them in with the sour cream. This duo makes the batter impossibly moist and guarantees the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is never dry or bland.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently—overmixing will make the cake dense, so stop as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely before you frost—patience here is key!
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and spreadable. This is the crowning glory that takes Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from “yum” to “WOW.”
Step 9: Frost and Serve
Slather your lush cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into generous squares, and take a moment to admire your handiwork before you dive in.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For an extra pop, dust the top with a bit more cinnamon or scatter chopped toasted walnuts for crunch. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of honey lend an extra hit of beauty if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This cake is lovely alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even an afternoon mug of coffee or tea. Each plays off those homey flavors in its own cozy way.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into mini squares and skewer them with toothpicks for party bites, or layer slices with additional frosting and fruit for a rustic trifle. You can even shape them with cookie cutters if you’re celebrating a special occasion with kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting covered and refrigerated. The moist crumb means it stays fresh for up to 4 days, and the frosting sets up beautifully after chilling.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Both the cake and frosting freeze well, making it easy to enjoy a homemade treat later.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds. The frosting softens to a dreamy texture, and the flavors come alive—just like it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance, cool completely, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature. Add the cream cheese frosting just before you’re ready to serve for the very best texture.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If your bananas aren’t quite ready, pop them (peels on) in a 300°F oven for 15–20 minutes. They’ll darken, soften, and become perfect for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream if that’s what you have on hand. It will keep the cake moist and even add a tiny bit of protein.
Is this cake suitable for a layer cake?
Definitely! Double the recipe for both cake and frosting, then bake in two round cake pans. Layer and frost as desired—the flavors only get better stacked and swirled.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Go for it! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of chocolate chips stirred into the batter will make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting even more decadent and textured.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much joy in a slice of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—whether you’re celebrating with friends or just treating yourself to a sweet afternoon. I hope you try this recipe soon and find it as irresistible as I do. Happy baking!