Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft, tender, and just the right amount of sweet, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. With ripe bananas baked into a fluffy, cinnamon-scented cake and topped with a cloud of tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s comfort food at its absolute finest. The kind of cake you bring to potlucks, bake for birthdays, or sneak a forkful of straight from the fridge.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a bunch of too-ripe bananas sitting on the counter. You know the ones — speckled, squishy, and perfect for baking. Instead of making banana bread for the tenth time, I decided to go a little bigger. What started as a simple banana cake turned into a decadent dessert once that cream cheese frosting hit the top. And let me tell you, it was love at first bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While banana cake shares DNA with banana bread, it’s actually a fluffier, more dessert-like take on the classic. Banana cake gained popularity in the early 20th century, thanks to the increased availability of baking soda and baking powder. The cream cheese frosting is a Southern favorite that adds richness and a slight tang, balancing the natural sweetness of the bananas. It’s been a bakery favorite for decades, often appearing as a layer cake or sheet cake.

Why You’ll Love Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake has a way of disappearing fast. Here’s why it’s always a hit:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or a simple after-dinner dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have, including those bananas sitting on your counter.

Quick and Easy: No fancy layers or techniques. Just mix, bake, and frost.

Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Crowd-Pleasing: The combo of moist banana cake and cream cheese frosting is universally loved.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake and frost a day ahead for stress-free serving.

Great for Leftovers: Stays moist for days and tastes even better chilled.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make your banana cake bakery-level delicious, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Very Ripe Bananas: The blacker, the better. They’re sweeter and mash more easily for a moist, flavorful cake.
2. Do Not Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake tender.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and cream cheese blend better and create a smoother batter and frosting.
4. Cool Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting so it doesn’t melt or slide.
5. Add Lemon to the Frosting: A touch of lemon juice brightens up the richness of the cream cheese and makes the flavor pop.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything complicated — just your baking basics.

Mixing Bowls: For mashing bananas, mixing batter, and whipping up frosting.

Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and whipping frosting easier and fluffier.

9×13 Baking Pan: The perfect size for a single-layer banana cake.

Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting evenly.

Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients without clumping.

Ingredients in Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pantry staples come together for one truly memorable cake. Here’s everything you’ll need:

1. Ripe Bananas: 3 large, mashed Add natural sweetness and keep the cake moist.
2. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups Provides structure and balance to the soft banana base.
3. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
4. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon Adds warmth and enhances the banana flavor.
5. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
6. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
7. Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup, packed Deepens the flavor with a touch of molasses.
8. Eggs: 2 large Bind the batter and add lift.
9. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons Adds a sweet, aromatic note to both cake and frosting.
10. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened The star of the frosting, smooth and slightly tangy.
11. Powdered Sugar: 2 cups Sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.
12. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon Brightens the frosting and balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to switch things up? No problem:

Butter: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or white sugar if needed.

Cream Cheese: Try dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.

Lemon Juice: A splash of vinegar or orange juice can do in a pinch.

Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a plant-based version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ripe Bananas: These aren’t just for flavor — they act as a natural sweetener and moisture booster. The riper they are, the deeper the banana flavor.

Cream Cheese: The frosting’s hero. It adds a luscious tang that perfectly cuts through the cake’s sweetness and richness.

Instructions for Making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s get to baking! Here’s how you’ll bring this cake to life step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Beat until light and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Top with banana slices and a light dusting of cinnamon. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The cake itself is tender and moist, with a hint of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The cream cheese frosting is thick, smooth, and just tangy enough to balance each bite. When paired together, the result is a rich, comforting dessert with a perfect balance of fluffy cake and creamy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your cake even better with these handy tips:

• Mash bananas with a fork, but leave a few chunks for texture.
• For extra banana flavor, add an extra half banana to the batter.
• Chill the frosting slightly before spreading for clean edges and better structure.

What to Avoid

A few common missteps can be easily avoided:

• Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the cake tough.
• Don’t frost the cake while it’s warm or the frosting will melt.
• Avoid underripe bananas — they won’t give the cake the flavor or moisture it needs.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 370

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake is perfect for making ahead. Bake and frost it the day before serving and store it in the fridge, covered. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cake slices wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. For a fancier touch, top with caramel drizzle or a few fresh berries.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let any leftovers go to waste:

• Turn slices into banana cake parfaits layered with yogurt and fruit.
• Crumble and use as a topping for ice cream.
• Sandwich a layer of frosting between two thin slices for mini banana cake sandwiches.

Additional Tips

• Use parchment paper to line your pan for easier removal.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a little crunch.
• Store extra frosting in the fridge for spreading on muffins or toast.

Make It a Showstopper

Want to impress? Top the cake with a spiral of banana slices, a dusting of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey or caramel. Serve on a vintage cake stand or rustic wooden board for a beautiful presentation.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before baking.
• Spiced Banana Cake: Add a pinch of nutmeg and clove for a warm spice profile.
• Nutty Banana Cake: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Layered Banana Cake: Split into two layers and double the frosting for a tall cake.
• Banana Cupcakes: Scoop batter into cupcake liners and reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?

A1: Yes, just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.

Q2: Can I make this into a layer cake?

A2: Absolutely. Divide the batter between two 9-inch round pans and reduce the bake time slightly.

Q3: Can I skip the lemon juice in the frosting?

A3: You can, but it adds a nice brightness that balances the sweetness.

Q4: What can I use instead of cream cheese?

A4: Mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt frosting can work as substitutes.

Q5: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A5: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q6: Can I use white sugar instead of brown?

A6: You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Q8: Is it okay to frost while the cake is warm?

A8: No, always let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.

Q9: Can I use a hand mixer instead of stand mixer?

A9: Yes, a hand mixer works great for both batter and frosting.

Q10: Can I add coconut?

A10: Yes! Toasted coconut on top adds texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a way to use up ripe bananas — it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that hits all the right notes. With its soft crumb, sweet banana flavor, and tangy cream cheese topping, every bite is a reminder that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

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