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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: amys recipes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Bread Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

  • Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A metal pan works best for an even rise and golden edges.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and ensures the cake rises properly.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Proper creaming gives your cake structure and helps create a softer crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla & Bananas

Mix in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract, then fold in the mashed bananas. The mixture will appear slightly lumpy due to banana pieces—this is perfect for flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream & Milk

Mix in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to add richness, moisture, and a slight tang. Slowly add the milk and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold until everything is incorporated. For add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually along with vanilla and a pinch of salt. Whip until creamy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost the Banana Bread Cake

 

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra decorative touch, use the back of a spoon to create swoops or keep it smooth for a classic finish.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas with brown spots offer the richest flavor and moistest texture.

  • Do not overmix once the dry and wet ingredients meet—overworking the batter creates a dense cake.

  • Cooling completely before frosting ensures the frosting doesn’t melt.

  • If using cream cheese from a tub, ensure it is full-fat for best consistency