If you love the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread but are craving something a little more indulgent, you’re in for a treat with this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This dessert perfectly balances moist, tender banana cake infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting that’s tangy and sweet. It’s like banana bread got a glamorous makeover, turning it into a show-stopping cake everyone will adore. Whether it’s for a cozy family brunch or a casual get-together, this recipe quickly becomes a beloved classic that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. From the ripe bananas providing natural sweetness and moisture to the baking soda and powder ensuring a tender crumb, every element is crucial to creating the perfect texture and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives this cake its structure while staying delightfully soft.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help make the cake light with just the right rise.
- Salt and cinnamon: Salt enhances the flavors, and cinnamon adds a cozy spice note.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to both the cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a subtle caramel hint, while granulated sugar sweetens perfectly.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to that tender cake texture.
- Vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness and aroma for an irresistible scent.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient for flavor and moisture that makes each bite luscious.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a pleasant tang and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- Cream cheese: Creates the dreamy, tangy frosting that complements the cake perfectly.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a silky finish.
- Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency for easy spreading.
How to Make Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and lightly dust it with flour, or use parchment paper for an easy release. This prep ensures your cake will come out clean and maintain a perfect shape once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This blend evenly distributes the rising agents and spices, which helps the cake bake uniformly with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key as it incorporates air, making your cake tender. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that classic flavor boost.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until the batter is smooth and homogenous. The bananas bring natural sweetness while the sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness expertly.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to ensure the cake stays tender without becoming dense or tough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell of cinnamon and bananas filling your kitchen is your cue that something wonderful is happening.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools completely, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk until the frosting reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency that melts in your mouth.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cake is cool, lovingly spread the frosting over the top with a spatula or knife. This frosting adds a luscious layer of richness that perfectly balances the light cake beneath. Slice into generous squares and prepare to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or finely chopped toasted walnuts on top for a lovely crunch and a rustic touch. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of honey can add visual appeal and complementary sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or afternoon tea time. For a more decadent dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess and cool contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this cake with fresh fruit for a trifle-style presentation or cut into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can instantly elevate its appearance for special occasions or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting helps keep the cake moist, but storing it chilled preserves freshness and prevents spoilage.
Freezing
You can freeze this banana bread cake unfrosted wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add cream cheese frosting fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm slice, let the cake come to room temperature first, then microwave a piece for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the cake and slightly melts the frosting, making it taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and more flavorful, which really enhances the taste of the banana bread cake.
Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds the same moist texture with a slightly tangier flavor.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it’s a 1-to-1 substitute for all-purpose flour to maintain the correct consistency.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can try using mascarpone or a thick whipped buttercream, but cream cheese adds a unique tang that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?
The best method is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those desserts that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a sweet moment. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and soon it might become your go-to treat for sharing with friends and family. Happy baking!
Print
Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful treat that combines ripe bananas and warming cinnamon with a rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this cake offers a delightful twist on traditional banana bread with a tender crumb and luscious cream cheese topping.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates an airy base for the cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas and the sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth, incorporating moisture and richness.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture in the cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools completely, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until the frosting reaches a creamy and spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into servings and enjoy this delicious banana bread cake.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Adjust milk quantity in the frosting to get your preferred spreadability.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
