If you’re anything like me, the smell of freshly baked banana bread instantly feels like a warm hug on a cool day, but imagine elevating that comforting classic into a true showstopper. This Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe takes everything you love about traditional banana bread and turns it into a luscious, moist cake layered with tangy, silky cream cheese frosting that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat yet impressive enough for company, truly a crowd-pleaser that makes the most of ripe bananas and classic pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Every component, from the all-purpose flour to the hint of cinnamon, helps make this cake moist, tender, and irresistibly aromatic.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become fluffy by neutralizing acidity.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra lift to keep the cake soft and airy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm spice note that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed): Introduces a subtle caramel depth that complements the frosting.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a delicate sweetness.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 large): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and moisture.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds tang and helps keep the cake tender and moist.
- Cream cheese (8 oz softened): Essential for the luscious, creamy frosting.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup softened for frosting): Provides a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to perfect spreadability.
- Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect creamy finish.
How to Make Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, which will help the cake come out easily without sticking, ensuring those perfect edges we all love.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. This step is crucial for distributing your leavening agents and spices so the cake bakes evenly and is flavorful all the way through.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat your softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration adds air into the batter, translating to a lighter cake. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic boost.
Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Fold in the mashed bananas and sour cream, blending well until smooth. These ingredients introduce moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the cake’s flavor, giving it that moist, tender crumb that banana bread lovers adore.
Step 5: Gently Add the Dry Ingredients
Carefully add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring just until combined. Be mindful not to overmix here, as overworking the batter can make the cake tough—this gentle mixing keeps it soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, your cake is ready to cool and be adorned with frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools down, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency—the perfect counterbalance to the cake’s moistness.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. The contrast of tangy frosting with sweet banana cake is simply irresistible. Slice it up, serve, and watch everyone savor each bite of this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
How to Serve Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the cake. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana slices can enhance the presentation and aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve a slice alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. This cake also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to add a fresh, bright contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks as bite-sized finger food. You can also layer it with extra cream cheese frosting to create a more traditional cake appearance, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or on a low setting, just enough to bring back that freshly baked feeling without melting the cream cheese frosting.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they’re extra sweet and soft, which helps achieve a moist cake with intense banana flavor.
Is it necessary to use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, the combination balances acidity and provides the perfect rise and texture for the cake—using both ensures it isn’t too dense or too cakey.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute and adds a nice tang while keeping the cake moist and tender.
How do I make sure the cream cheese frosting is smooth?
Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and helps achieve that silky, spreadable texture.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix and ensure the baking powder you use is gluten-free too, yielding a similarly delicious result.
Final Thoughts
Making this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a result that’s both comforting and utterly decadent, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for extra slices and sharing it with all your friends!
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Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, this cake blends classic banana bread flavors with a soft, cake-like texture. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a few minutes using a hand or stand mixer. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed ripe bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the buttery mixture. Mix until smooth and uniform, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×9-inch pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach a creamy and spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 12 pieces, serve, and enjoy this moist and delicious banana bread cake.
Notes
- Make sure the bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- If you prefer a tangier frosting, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or increase the cream cheese amount.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist.
- The frosting can be stored separately in the fridge and added just before serving if you want to keep the cake fresh longer.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of the cake from the pan.
