Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent, look no further than Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Picture this: a moist, tender banana bread cake that’s perfectly spiced and packed with sweet banana flavor, topped with a rich and creamy layer of tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a hug in every bite, and once you try it, you won’t want to go back to regular banana bread again. Trust me, this cake is the answer to your banana bread dreams—and it’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone who loves a good slice of comfort.

Whether you’re using up ripe bananas or simply craving something delicious for an afternoon snack, this cake is the perfect solution. It’s easy to whip up, full of flavor, and has that special touch from the cream cheese frosting that makes it feel like a treat you’d find at a bakery. Go ahead, treat yourself to a slice of happiness.

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfectly Moist

The banana bread cake is incredibly moist, with just the right texture that feels light yet satisfying. The bananas keep the cake tender, while the warm spices add comfort in every bite.

Cream Cheese Frosting

The cream cheese frosting is rich and velvety with just the right balance of sweetness and tang. It’s the perfect complement to the soft, spiced banana cake, making each bite feel indulgent without being overly sweet.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the “cake” part fool you—this recipe is simple to put together. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a bowl and a mixer, and you’ll be on your way to banana bread cake bliss.

Freezes Well

This cake holds up beautifully in the freezer, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later. It’s great for making ahead for a special occasion or if you simply want to have something delicious ready to go for the week.

Versatile

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a fun twist on the classic.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are simple but pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ripe Bananas

The star of the show! Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, creating the perfect base for the cake. They also add that classic banana flavor we all love.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour forms the structure of the cake, giving it that tender crumb. You don’t need anything fancy here—regular all-purpose flour does the job perfectly.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder

Both of these help the cake rise, giving it that light, fluffy texture we all want in a cake.

Eggs

Eggs bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s richness, making it wonderfully moist.

Butter

Melted butter gives the cake that comforting, rich flavor, without being too heavy.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the cake that perfectly complements the bananas.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg

The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg bring a touch of cozy, comforting flavor to the cake. They’re the perfect match for the bananas.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

Adding sour cream (or Greek yogurt) helps to make the cake even more moist and tender. Plus, it gives the cake a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese is the key to the smooth, creamy frosting that finishes this cake off perfectly. Its tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the banana bread cake.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the frosting and help give it that smooth, silky texture.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract rounds out the frosting with a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this showstopper of a dessert? Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. You’ll want around 2 to 3 medium bananas for the best flavor.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Add the mashed bananas to the mix and stir until everything is well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth, adjusting the consistency with a bit of milk if necessary.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of the banana bread cake. You can use a spatula to spread it evenly or get creative and pipe it on for a fancier look.

8. Slice and Serve!

Cut the cake into squares or slices and enjoy! You can serve it immediately or let it sit in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12

Calories per serving: 350-400 calories (depending on portion size and exact ingredients)

Nutrition Breakdown:

• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Calcium: 60mg

(Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.)

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the perfect side or drink. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert:

Fresh Fruit

Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a pop of freshness that balances the sweetness.

Coffee or Tea

A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with this dessert. The cake and cream cheese frosting pair wonderfully with a nice latte or a strong cup of black tea.

Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy, cold ice cream is a perfect contrast to the moist, spiced cake.

Whipped Cream

Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and a little extra sweetness.

Additional Tips

Use Really Ripe Bananas

The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Don’t be afraid of bananas with brown spots—they’re perfect for baking!

Make It in Advance

This cake actually gets even better the day after it’s made, so feel free to bake it a day ahead and refrigerate it. It’ll stay moist and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips

If you love nuts, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Or, for a bit of decadence, add chocolate chips to the cake for a banana-chocolate combination that’s irresistible.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well, so you can wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this without cream cheese frosting?

A1: Absolutely! You can skip the frosting and enjoy it as a simple banana bread cake. Alternatively, try using a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter topping.

Q2: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

A2: Yes! Just thaw the frozen bananas and mash them up before using. They may be a little more watery, so make sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding to the batter.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A3: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour for a gluten-free version. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?

A4: Yes, chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition! Just fold them into the batter before baking for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?

A5: Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Q6: How can I make the frosting less sweet?

A6: If you find the cream cheese frosting too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a bit more cream cheese for a tangier, less sugary flavor.

Q7: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A7: Of course! You can make a buttercream frosting, a simple glaze, or even a whipped cream topping for a lighter finish.

Q8: How do I know when the cake is done?

A8: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

Q9: Can I make this in a different size pan?

A9: Yes! You can bake this cake in a round cake pan or even a muffin tin. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Q10: How should I store leftovers?

A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before refrigerating it.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a dessert that hits all the right notes: it’s comforting, moist, and indulgent with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab those ripe bananas, get baking, and enjoy a slice of banana bread heaven!

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