Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than this delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of moist, tender cake infused with ripe banana goodness, paired with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or craving a sweet treat to brighten your day, this recipe brings comfort and joy straight from the oven to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each item plays an important role—from the fluffy cake texture to the creamy frosting that crowns it all—making every bite a delicious experience.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body to the cake, ensuring the perfect crumb.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely and keeps it tender.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the banana.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the banana taste.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and keeps the cake moist.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aroma and enhances overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds moistness and a slight tang that brightens the taste.
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient that lends natural sweetness and moisture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for that creamy, tangy frosting everyone craves.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a smooth and rich frosting texture.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Elevates the frosting’s flavor with warmth and depth.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Lightens the frosting for a fluffy finish.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture ensures your cake will rise evenly and have a gentle, fragrant spice throughout.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into your batter, laying the foundation for a soft cake that still feels dense and satisfying.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This combination enhances flavor depth and helps bind the cake’s ingredients together.

Step 4: Incorporate Sour Cream and Bananas

Next, stir in the sour cream and mashed bananas until everything is well combined. The sour cream not only adds moisture but also a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Resist over-mixing here; you want a tender cake, not a tough one.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooling the cake completely before frosting is key to avoiding a melted mess.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream while continuing to beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into generous squares and prepare to enjoy one of the tastiest rewards your baking efforts can offer.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting. This adds a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy sweetness. For a fresh touch, consider thin banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making it an ideal treat for brunch or afternoon tea. For a fruity complement, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your banana cake in charming ways by cutting it into mini squares or using cookie cutters for fun shapes perfect for parties. Layering cake slices with additional frosting and banana slices creates an inviting trifle that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh banana cake with cream cheese frosting, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve that rich cream cheese flavor and moist cake texture.

Freezing

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead for special occasions.

Reheating

To enjoy your banana cake like it’s freshly baked, remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a cozy treat, warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This helps revive the softness and enhances the cream cheese frosting’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid from the bananas before mashing to avoid a soggy batter. Frozen bananas often bring extra sweetness and moisture that make the cake even more delicious.

Is it okay to substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will keep your cake moist while adding a nice tang. Just use the same amount to maintain the batter’s consistency.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even mostly brown skins; they are sweeter and blend easily into a smooth, flavorful banana base.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously moist and flavorful.

What’s the best way to get a smooth cream cheese frosting?

Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and helps achieve a perfectly creamy, fluffy frosting every time.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true treasure in the world of home baking. It combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps into a dessert that feels both special and comforting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it—once you take a bite, it’s hard not to smile and go back for another slice.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.3 from 38 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This moist and flavorful Banana Cake recipe combines ripe bananas with a spiced batter and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfectly sweetened and tender, this cake is an ideal dessert or afternoon snack that serves 12 people.

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Ingredients

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Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper aeration for a tender cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream and mashed ripe bananas until the batter is well combined and smooth.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cake tender.
7. Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly before frosting.
9. Prepare Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
10. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into servings and enjoy.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
• Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and added protein.
• Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American