Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If there’s one dessert that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. With perfectly ripe bananas blended into a moist, tender cake and topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is comfort food at its finest. Every bite bursts with rich banana flavor, complemented by the creamy sweetness of the frosting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a casual afternoon treat, this recipe brings joy to the table effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the key to a perfectly balanced banana cake. These simple staples work together to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and soft, with the frosting adding that irresistibly creamy finish.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to your cake.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and subtle spice to the cake.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and tenderness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a hint of molasses depth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor complexity.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a gentle tang.
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for a smooth, tangy frosting.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Helps achieve that perfectly fluffy frosting texture.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prep work is crucial to ensure your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan, so you get those perfect slices later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combination sets the foundation for that moist yet slightly spiced flavor that makes this banana cake uniquely delightful.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, which translates into a tender crumb in the finished cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall aroma and sweetness of the cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Mashed Bananas

Stir in the sour cream and mashed bananas until everything is nicely combined. The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet bananas.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the batter can make the cake dense rather than tender.

Step 7: Pour and Spread the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. This ensures that your banana cake bakes uniformly and looks as inviting as it tastes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven—anticipation is the best seasoning!

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is key before frosting to make sure the cream cheese topping doesn’t melt or slide off.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating everything until the frosting is perfectly fluffy and spreadable.

Step 11: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake, slice, and get ready to enjoy. This final touch is what makes the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so wonderfully irresistible!

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of toasted chopped walnuts or a few banana chips on top of the frosting can bring a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty aroma. Fresh banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon also make beautiful, tasty garnish options.

Side Dishes

Serve your banana cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake, making it a perfect combo for anytime snacking.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake as cupcakes or in mini pans for individual portions at parties. You could also layer it with fresh fruit and frosting to create a banana trifle, offering a fresh twist on this classic Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover banana cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to two days or chilled for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. For the best texture, freeze it unfrosted in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw and frost just before serving. Frozen banana cake keeps well for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat slices, warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and the frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain yogurt can be substituted for sour cream in this recipe. It will still add moisture and a slight tang, though the texture might be a bit different.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor and natural sweetness, use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots. The riper the bananas, the richer the banana flavor in your cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute, but results may vary. Some blends work better than others for texture, so choose one that’s suitable for baking.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may be a little different.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something unforgettable. From the moment those sweet bananas are mashed and folded in, to spreading that creamy frosting on top, every step feels like a little act of love. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of sharing a moist, flavorful banana cake that everyone will ask for again and again.

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