Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The Ultimate Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Crafting a delectable banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting sparks joy in every kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through your home as ripe bananas mingle with warm spices.

Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible treat that promises pure happiness.

Soft, moist crumbs promise a delightful experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each slice tells a story of warmth and deliciousness waiting to be savored.

You’ll want to share this magical creation with everyone you know.

What Makes Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Special

  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this banana bread cake welcomes both novice and experienced cooks with its straightforward preparation steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guaranteed to delight family and friends, this dessert offers a classic comfort food experience that brings people together around the table.
  • Versatile Treat: Suitable for multiple occasions like potlucks, afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or simply as a delightful weekend baking project that transforms ripe bananas into something spectacular.
  • Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding nuts, chocolate chips, or adjusting frosting thickness to match individual taste preferences and make the cake uniquely yours.

Everything You Need For Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: The key ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the banana bread cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the cake its soft and tender texture.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to the cake's moist and tender crumb.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden brown exterior.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
For the Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk, Sour Cream: Enhance moisture and create a rich, tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the banana's natural sweetness.
For the Frosting and Garnish:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy frosting with a tangy and sweet profile.
  • Walnuts: Optional topping that adds crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
For the Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Powder/Soda, Salt: Ensure proper rise and balance the flavors of the cake.

How To Make Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a 9-inch cake pan. Generously coat the inside with butter or cooking spray to help the cake slide out easily.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Take ripe bananas and crush them into a smooth, creamy texture. Use a fork or potato masher to break down any stubborn chunks.

Step 3: Whip Up The Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar together. Keep mixing until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and looks like pale sunshine.

Step 4: Add The Eggs

Drop eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Stir energetically after each egg to create a smooth, well-combined batter.

Step 5: Pour In Liquid Goodness

Mix in:
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Blend until these wet ingredients are completely integrated and look silky.

Step 6: Fold In The Flour

Gently sift flour into the wet ingredients. Fold carefully to avoid overmixing, keeping the batter light and tender.

Step 7: Fill The Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for about an hour until completely cooled.

Step 10: Create Creamy Frosting

Whip together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and spreadable.

Step 11: Frost The Cake

Once cooled, cover the cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. Create elegant swirls with your spatula.

Step 12: Optional Crunch

Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the frosting for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Step 13: Serve And Savor

Slice the banana bread cake and enjoy at room temperature. Share with friends or keep it all to yourself!

Tips For Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor intensity.
  • Prevent Dense Texture: Avoid overmixing the batter by gently folding dry ingredients, which helps maintain a light, fluffy cake consistency.
  • Moisture Magic: Add sour cream to create an incredibly moist banana bread cake that stays soft and tender for several days.
  • Frosting Tip: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free cream cheese frosting that spreads easily.
  • Nutty Enhancement: Toast walnuts briefly before sprinkling to intensify their flavor and create a delightful crunch on top of the cake.

Delicious Spins On Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour mix for a celiac-friendly version that maintains moisture and texture.
  • Vegan Banana Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, milk with almond milk, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based frosting for a plant-based alternative.
  • Chocolate Banana Indulgence: Fold in dark chocolate chips into the batter and dust cocoa powder on top of the cream cheese frosting for a rich, decadent chocolate-banana combination.
  • Tropical Banana Nutty Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter, top with macadamia nuts instead of walnuts, and incorporate a hint of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile.

Best Pairings For Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Pair Perfectly with Coffee Companions: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino dramatically enhance the banana bread cake's sweet and creamy profile, cutting through the richness while complementing its warm, comforting flavors.
  • Create Nutty Beverage Harmony: Chai latte with its spicy undertones beautifully matches the cake's subtle sweetness and walnut crunch, creating a delightful sensory experience that elevates each bite.
  • Dessert Wine Magic: Late harvest Riesling or moscato offers a delicate sweetness that mirrors the banana cake's inherent sugary notes, providing a luxurious and sophisticated pairing perfect for elegant gatherings.
  • Refresh with Herbal Touches: Mint tea provides a crisp, clean counterpoint to the dense, creamy cake, cleansing the palate and offering a light, refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese frosting.

Storage Tips For Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cream cheese frosting fresh by preventing air exposure.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Defrost individual slices at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  • Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Questions Solved

  • Are ripe bananas really important for this recipe?

Yes, ripe bananas are crucial because they provide natural sweetness, intense banana flavor, and moisture to the cake. The darker and spottier the bananas, the better the taste and texture.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt and use alternative nuts like pecans instead of walnuts. However, try to stick to the original ingredients for the best results.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the flour is just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough and dense instead of light and tender.

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Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Banana Bread Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting brings comfort and nostalgia to your kitchen, blending classic flavors with modern indulgence. Sweet bananas and rich frosting create a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Frosting and Finishing:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9-inch cake pan, ensuring smooth release of the banana bread cake.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency with minimal lumps.
  3. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring vigorously after each addition to create a uniform batter.
  5. Blend in milk, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
  6. Sift the all-purpose flour directly into the wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure consistent baking.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
  10. For the cream cheese frosting, whip softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
  11. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the top, creating elegant swirls.
  12. Optional: Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the frosted cake for added texture and nutty flavor.
  13. Slice, serve, and enjoy your decadent banana bread cake at room temperature.

Notes

  • Select ultra-ripe bananas with dark brown or black speckled peels for maximum natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Consider swapping some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and create a slightly nuttier texture.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring careful mixing to maintain cake’s delicate structure.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas and adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness without compromising moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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