Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Moist, Decadent Treat 🍌🍰✨

1. Introduction

Banana bread cake is the ultimate dessert hybrid – combining the comforting familiarity of classic banana bread with the indulgent luxury of a frosted layer cake. This banana bread cake recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat, an afternoon snack with coffee, or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe delivers. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the rich banana flavor, creating a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Finished Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, garnished with caramel and banana slices.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to baking success. For this banana bread cake recipe, you’ll need:

3 ripe bananas – The spottier, the better! Overripe bananas provide maximum sweetness and moisture
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our cake structure
1 tsp baking soda – Our leavening agent for the perfect rise
½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors
½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – For richness and moisture
¾ cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor with its molasses notes
2 large eggs – Binds everything together
1 tsp vanilla extract – The flavor enhancer
½ cup sour cream – The secret to ultra-moist texture

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened) – The tangy base of our frosting
½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates the perfect frosting consistency
2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting
1 tsp vanilla extract – Balances the flavors

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas and Dry Ingredients

Begin by thoroughly mashing your ripe bananas in a medium bowl – you want them completely smooth with no large chunks. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This baking technique of combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout the batter. The baking soda will react with the acidic components (bananas and sour cream) to give your banana bread cake its perfect rise.

Mashed bananas and baking ingredients ready for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a lighter texture. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream until just combined. The sour cream is our secret weapon – its acidity tenderizes the gluten while adding incredible moisture. Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tough banana bread cake.

Banana bread cake batter being mixed in a stand mixer for baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this ensures even baking from the moment the batter goes in. For easy removal, generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. This “sling” makes it simple to lift out your finished banana bread cake. Pour in the batter, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. The batter will be thick but spreadable – this consistency helps create that perfect dense-yet-tender crumb we love in banana bread.

Loaf pan being prepared for Banana Bread Cake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread Cake

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Around the 45-minute mark, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. The top should be golden brown and the edges will start to pull away slightly from the pan. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting – this prevents the frosting from melting into the warm cake.

Banana Bread Cake baking in the oven with a golden crust.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth – about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable – if it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. For an extra smooth finish, you can chill the frosting briefly before spreading. Once the cake is completely cool, generously frost the top, creating decorative swirls with your spatula.

4. Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cake

Banana ripeness is key – The blacker the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. No ripe bananas? Bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15-20 minutes to ripen them instantly.
Room temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients don’t incorporate as well. Take eggs, butter, and cream cheese out 1-2 hours before baking.
Don’t overmix – Stir just until ingredients are combined to avoid developing gluten, which makes cakes tough.
Proper cooling – Rushing this step leads to gummy texture and melted frosting. Be patient!
Storage – Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after 1 day!

5. Variations

This versatile banana bread cake recipe serves as the perfect canvas for creativity. Try these delicious variations:

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
Nutty Banana Bread Cake: Add ½ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and depth of flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: Top with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Spiced Version: Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp cloves to the dry ingredients for warm spice notes.
Double Chocolate: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips for chocolate banana bliss.

6. Serving Suggestions

While this banana bread cake is delicious on its own, here are some serving ideas to make it extra special:

Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredible dessert experience
Garnish with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for presentation
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Pair with coffee for a perfect brunch item
Cut into thick slices and serve alongside soup for a sweet-savory meal combination

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this banana bread cake ahead of time? Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after 1 day. Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature overnight before frosting.

Can I freeze banana bread cake? Yes! Wrap unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Can I make this gluten-free? Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend (look for one with xanthan gum included).

How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs – no wet batter. The top should spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I make this in a different pan? Yes! This recipe works well in an 8-inch square baking pan (reduce baking time to 35-40 minutes) or as cupcakes (bake for 18-22 minutes).

8. Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 10 slices)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 30g

9. Conclusion

This banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is truly the best of both worlds – combining the comforting, homey appeal of banana bread with the celebratory feel of a frosted cake. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat, a potluck showstopper, or just a delicious way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe delivers. The moist, flavorful cake paired with the tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance that keeps people coming back for seconds. Once you try this banana bread cake recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your baking rotation alongside your favorite soup recipes and quick dinner ideas. Happy baking!