As I fished a ripe banana from my fruit bowl, the aroma whisked me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where warmth and sweetness always met. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Soft & Fluffy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—a delightful twist on your classic banana bread that offers a cake-like experience with each bite. This easy dessert comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute brunches or gatherings. Plus, the creamy frosting adds a luscious finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat to enjoy with your coffee or a sweet centerpiece for your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Ready to discover how incredibly simple it is to bring this delightful cake into your kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Cake So Irresistibly Good? Comforting and familiar, this banana bread cake combines beloved flavors into an unforgettable dessert. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for busy cooks who want to impress without the fuss. Moist and fluffy, each bite melts in your mouth, especially when topped with that velvety cream cheese frosting. Versatile enough to adapt with nuts or chocolate chips, this cake can easily fit any preference. And crowd-pleasing, it’s sure to be the star of brunches or family gatherings. For more delightful variations, check out Pistachio Mushroom Cheesecake or Cheesecake Fruit Salad! Banana Bread Cake Ingredients • Here’s what you need to create the perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! For the Cake Butter – Adds richness and helps maintain tenderness; use softened butter for easy mixing. Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness; adjust based on banana ripeness. Eggs – Necessary for structure and binding; ensure they’re at room temperature for best mixing. Sour Cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy flavor, contributing to a dense texture. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes, elevating the overall taste. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the cake; aim for a fluffy texture. Baking Soda – Provides leavening; balance with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Salt – Improves flavor overall; a small amount is essential in baked goods. Mashed Bananas – The star ingredient; use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness. Walnuts (Optional) – Adds a delightful crunch and slight bitterness; can easily be omitted if you prefer. For the Frosting Cream Cheese – Provides a rich, tangy base for the frosting; must be softened for easy mixing. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture; add slowly to avoid mess. With these ingredients on hand, you’re one step closer to whipping up a slice of heavenly joy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures an even baking temperature and prevents sticking when the Banana Bread Cake is ready to come out. As the oven warms, gather all your ingredients to streamline the mixing process ahead. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until the color becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps give the cake its delectable texture. Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs One by one, add in the eggs, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition. Aim for a smooth, well-combined batter that has a glossy appearance. This process helps bind the components together for the Banana Bread Cake, creating a rich base for moisture and flavor. Step 4: Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla Next, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter may appear slightly broken at this point, but don’t worry! This is normal and contributes to the cake’s delightful moistness and flavor. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. The key is to stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears to prevent a dense texture in your Banana Bread Cake. Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Walnuts Gently fold the mashed bananas and walnuts (if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed. The ripe bananas will enhance the sweetness and moisture of your cake. Pour this luscious batter into the prepared baking pan, making sure it is evenly spread. Step 7: Bake the Cake Place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures that your Banana Bread Cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool. Step 8: Allow to Cool Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential for maintaining the structure of the cake before frosting. Patience here will result in a beautifully moist cake that holds up well when topped. Step 9: Prepare the Frosting While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a rich and delicious frosting that beautifully complements your Banana Bread Cake. Step 10: Frost the Cake Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the fluffy cream cheese frosting over the top. Use a spatula to create swirls and peaks for an enticing finish. The frosting adds a delightful tang and sweetness, elevating your Banana Bread Cake to an irresistible dessert. Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize your banana bread cake to fit your taste and dietary needs! Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber. This adds a nutty flavor while keeping it moist. Chocolate Chips: Replace walnuts with chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth. The melty goodness of chocolate pairs perfectly with the banana flavor. Almond Extract: Experiment by swapping out vanilla extract for almond extract for a delightful twist. This adds an unexpected yet delightful note to your cake. Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts entirely for a nut-free version, enjoying the banana flavors all on their own. Perfect for those with allergies or preferences! Spices Boost: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warming spice kick. It enhances the flavor profile and makes the cake feel cozy. Fruity Swirl: Layer in some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the batter before baking. This not only adds flavor but also pretty pops of color! Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to adapt the cake for gluten sensitivities. Check for blends that include xanthan gum for the best results. Frosting Variations: Mix in some cocoa powder or lemon juice with your cream cheese frosting for a chocolate or citrus twist. The possibilities are endless! With these variations, your banana bread cake will not just be a hit at the brunch table but can be tailored to fit your family’s favorite flavors or dietary needs. If you’re looking for more indulgent options, try the scrumptious Brownie Cheesecake Indulge or the decadent Turtle Cheesecake Dessert! Make Ahead Options These Soft & Fluffy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients and refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The bananas should be mashed just before mixing to prevent browning. If you’d like, you can also bake the cake 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator without frosting, ensuring it maintains its moistness. When you’re ready to serve, frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the moment with your loved ones! Storage Tips for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Fridge: Keep your banana bread cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain its moistness. It’s best to frost it just before serving. Freezer: If you want to store leftovers, freeze without frosting in a well-wrapped container or freezer bag. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy your frozen banana bread cake, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to thaw before serving. Reheating: Enjoy a warm slice by microwaving it for about 10-15 seconds. This slight warmth brings out the delicious flavors in the banana bread cake, especially when paired with cold cream cheese frosting. Expert Tips for Banana Bread Cake Perfect Bananas: Use very ripe bananas, ideally dark with some spots. They provide the best sweetness and flavor for your Banana Bread Cake. Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when combining the dry ingredients with the wet. Overmixing can lead to a rubbery texture; mix just until combined. Cooling Time: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish. Frosting Freshness: Frost the cake right before serving for the best flavor and texture. It keeps the frosting fluffy and fresh! Try Variations: Experiment with replacements like half whole wheat flour or substitute walnuts with chocolate chips to find your favorite twist on this classic dessert. What to Serve with Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this delightful cake with delicious sides that complement its flavors beautifully. Hot Coffee: The rich, robust flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the cake, making each bite even more satisfying. There’s nothing like a cozy cup to accompany your slice of heaven. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries add a refreshing contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cake while bringing vibrant color to your dessert plate. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious touch, melting over the warm cake for a delectable dessert experience that will take you to dessert paradise. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream brings a delightful texture, making each forkful of cake feel indulgently rich. It’s the perfect cloud-like companion to your banana bread delight. Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea complement the banana flavor beautifully, enhancing the comforting vibe of this dessert. Sip alongside your cake for an aromatic experience. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich, velvety chocolate sauce over your cake adds decadence and elevates the dessert to an indulgent treat, satisfying any sweet tooth. Toasted Coconut Flakes: The slight crunch and tropical flavor transform the cake into a beachy delight. Simply sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for added texture and flavor. Raspberry Sauce: A bright, tart raspberry sauce creates a beautiful contrast with the creamy frosting, adding a gourmet touch that impresses at any gathering. Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best bananas for this recipe? Look for very ripe bananas with dark spots all over; this indicates maximum sweetness and flavor. The more ripe they are, the better they will enhance your Banana Bread Cake. What is the best way to store leftover banana bread cake? Store your banana bread cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it super tasty, frost it just before serving for the best texture. Can I freeze banana bread cake, and if so, how? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the banana bread cake tightly without frosting in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. What if my banana bread cake comes out too dense? If the cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to prevent gluten development. Also, be mindful not to pack the flour too tightly when measuring, as this can lead to density. Is this banana bread cake suitable for people with nut allergies? You can easily make this cake nut-free by omitting the walnuts entirely. It’s a versatile recipe that still remains delicious even without nuts, so feel free to customize it to meet dietary needs! How can I enhance the flavor of the cream cheese frosting? Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting can give it a delightful twist. If you like, you can also mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolatey version that pairs beautifully with the banana bread cake! Heavenly Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting offers a cake-like experience, perfect for brunch or gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 cup Butter softened1 cup Granulated Sugar adjust based on banana ripeness3 large Eggs at room temperature1 cup Sour Cream1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract2 cups All-Purpose Flour1 teaspoon Baking Soda1/2 teaspoon Salt3 cups Mashed Bananas very ripe1 cup Walnuts optionalFor the Frosting8 oz Cream Cheese softened2 cups Powdered Sugar Equipment Mixing BowlElectric mixer9x13-inch baking pan Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.Fold in the mashed bananas and walnuts, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.Frost the completely cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure the bananas are very ripe for the best flavor. Frost the cake just before serving for optimal texture and taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
