Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Moist, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion!

Banana bread lovers, this one’s for you! Today, we’re making a delightful Banana Bread Cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is the ultimate fusion of two beloved treats—banana bread and cake—with the added bonus of rich, smooth cream cheese frosting. Imagine a moist, flavorful banana cake bursting with natural sweetness, smothered in creamy, tangy frosting—it’s irresistible!

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Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cake

This Banana Bread Cake combines everything we adore about classic banana bread with a hint of cake-like lightness. It’s soft, not overly dense, and every bite is packed with banana flavor that’s just the right amount of sweet. The addition of a thick layer of cream cheese frosting takes this cake from “yum” to “WOW!” Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a treat-yourself moment, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Incredible Texture: Soft and moist from mashed bananas and sour cream.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, frost, and enjoy!
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings, brunches, or even breakfast.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Bread Cake

For the Banana Cake:

• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
• Granulated Sugar: 1½ cups for that perfect sweetness
• Eggs: 2 large, to bind and add richness
• Sour Cream: 1 cup (full-fat works best for extra moisture and flavor)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for depth
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for structure
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cake rise
• Salt: ½ teaspoon to balance the flavors
• Mashed Bananas: 1 cup (about 3 ripe bananas) for natural sweetness and moisture

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
• Cream Cheese: 1 bar (8 oz), softened (full-fat is ideal for creamy texture)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Powdered Sugar: 3 cups to sweeten the frosting
• Heavy Whipping Cream: 2 tablespoons to reach a spreadable consistency

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls: For blending the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer will help get a smooth, fluffy batter and frosting.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for a cake with a nice thickness.
• Spatula: To spread that glorious frosting evenly across the cake.
• Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check when the cake is done baking.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to getting a tender cake texture, so take a few minutes here to cream it well.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this step, as that can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Add the Bananas

Fold in the mashed bananas gently. The bananas add flavor and help keep the cake wonderfully moist.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden, and the kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish. This is important—if the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Finally, add the heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and serve! Enjoy every luscious bite of this banana bread cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For extra flair, top each slice with banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You could also serve it alongside fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor contrast.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cake

• Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots have the most natural sweetness, which enhances the flavor of this cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense, so mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience pays off here—cooling completely keeps the frosting smooth and spreadable.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Storing Banana Bread Cake

This cake keeps well, making it a great option for meal prep or gifting.

• In the Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated to keep it fresh.
• In the Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for 1-to-1 substitution in baking.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cake a day ahead, cool it, and cover it with plastic wrap. Frost just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
A: Definitely! Stir in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor.

In Summary: Banana Bread Cake Bliss

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an easy, heartwarming dessert that brings together the best of banana bread and cake. Moist, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with a creamy, tangy frosting, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. And whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a slice solo, each bite is pure bliss.

Craving More Delicious Bakes?

If you loved this recipe, check out these other banana-inspired treats:

• Banana Walnut Muffins: A wholesome breakfast option packed with nuts and banana flavor.
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: For a chocolatey twist on the classic.
• Banana Oat Bars: Great as a snack or a breakfast on the go.

Don’t Forget to Share Your Creation!

If you make this Banana Bread Cake, I’d love to see how it turned out! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 3g

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