If you’re torn between banana bread and cake, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is your perfect match. It brings together the cozy comfort of banana bread and the light, fluffy texture of cake — all topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that elevates every bite.
This easy dessert is perfect for brunches, birthdays, potlucks, or casual weekend bakes. One bowl, a few ripe bananas, and you’re just minutes away from banana bliss!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: Ripe bananas and sour cream make every bite rich and tender.
- Simple to Make: Just a few pantry staples and minimal prep.
- Perfectly Frosted: The cream cheese frosting adds the ultimate sweet-tangy finish.
- Versatile Treat: Great for brunch, dessert, potlucks, or weekend indulgence.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.
Stir in vanilla extract and milk if needed for spreadability.
Step 4: Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Optional: Top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel. Slice and serve! 🍰✨
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
🍌 Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 🔸 For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 🔸 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tbsp milk if needed for consistency
- 🔸 Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix in mashed bananas, sour cream, and milk. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting.
- Step 3: Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and milk (if needed) to adjust consistency.
- Step 4: Frost & Serve
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
- Top with nuts or caramel drizzle if desired. Slice and enjoy! 🍰✨
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 370
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
- Use Super Ripe Bananas: Brown-spotted bananas are the sweetest and most flavorful.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to dense cake. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean slices and firm frosting, chill for 30–60 minutes.
- Add Crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great topping for texture and flavor.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 370
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
❓ FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day and stores well.
Can I use a different frosting?
Buttercream or whipped cream works too, but cream cheese is best for banana-based desserts.
Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes. For a layered cake, divide into two 9-inch round pans. Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in both cake and frosting by about 1/4 without affecting structure too much.
✅ Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you love about banana bread — only better. It’s soft, rich, perfectly spiced, and topped with the most irresistible frosting. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, it’s always a hit.
Serve it chilled, serve it warm — just make sure you serve it soon. 🍌🍰💛
