Description
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect combination of classic banana bread and soft, fluffy cake. Made with ripe bananas, butter, brown sugar, and warm vanilla, this incredibly moist cake has all the comforting flavors of homemade banana bread but with a lighter, more tender crumb. It’s finished with a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting that takes every bite to the next level.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Banana Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed)
✨ Optional Toppings
- Chopped toasted pecans
- Chopped walnuts
- Banana slices
- Caramel drizzle
- Ground cinnamon
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Bananas
Mix the mashed bananas into the batter.
Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add heavy cream if needed for a smoother consistency.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with:
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Banana slices
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
- Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft and tender.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting.
- Toast nuts before using to enhance their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling & Frosting Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 260mg
- Protein: 5g