Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect comfort dessert that brings together the moist richness of banana bread and the decadent sweetness of frosting, then the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is exactly what you need to try next. This delightful treat blends the familiar cozy flavors of ripe bananas with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or an after-dinner indulgence, this cake stands out with its tender crumb and irresistibly creamy topping, making it a true favorite in any dessert lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the magic behind this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, each contributing to the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to the creamy tang of full-fat cream cheese, every component plays a vital role in creating this irresistible dessert.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its soft texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a fluffy finish.
• 1 cup sour cream (full-fat): Adds moisture and slight tang, enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor throughout the batter.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s structure and keeps it light yet sturdy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas): Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened (for frosting): Adds creaminess and richness to the cream cheese frosting.
• 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese (full-fat): The star of the frosting, offering tang and silky texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect spreading.
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Gives the frosting a smooth, fluffy consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, giving you those perfectly risen edges we all love.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. At first, it might look crumbly, but give it a couple of minutes — this creates an airy base essential for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. This combination keeps the cake moist while layering in depth of flavor, making every bite delightful.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mix to the wet ingredients gradually, blending on low speed to avoid overmixing, which preserves the cake’s tender crumb.

Step 5: Stir in Mashed Bananas

Gently fold in the mashed bananas, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. These bananas bring natural sweetness and added moisture that makes this cake uniquely delicious.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs or clean. The golden edges and top signal this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to cool.

Step 7: Let the Cake Cool Completely

Patience is key here—allow the cake to cool fully before applying the frosting. You can frost it right away or cover it tightly with foil and let it rest at room temperature overnight for even deeper flavor and easier frosting application.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened butter and full-fat cream cheese until smooth and combined. Then add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream, starting at low speed and gradually increasing, until you achieve a thick, luscious frosting perfect for spreading.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Once your cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts, adding both texture and visual appeal to your stunning Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the presentation and taste of your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Fresh banana slices give a vibrant, fresh note that celebrates the star ingredient. For a bit of crunch and contrast, chopped walnuts or toasted pecans add a satisfying texture while enhancing the nutty undertones.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. For a lighter option, serve alongside fresh berries or a tangy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and bring refreshing variety to your dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the typical slice — try cutting the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting into squares for easy serving at parties or layer it in a trifle with whipped cream and banana slices for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece. You could even serve individual portions in pretty jars, making it perfect for gifting or on-the-go enjoyment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days, allowing you to savor this treat without hurry.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake well ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Freeze the cake without frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Once ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and then add the cream cheese frosting for a fresh, just-made taste.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds before frosting or serving. This subtle warmth enhances the banana flavor and soft texture, making each bite feel like it was just pulled from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are perfect for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting because they’re sweeter and softer, contributing more moisture and flavor to the batter.

Is it necessary to use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese?

Using full-fat versions ensures a richer texture and better flavor in both the cake and frosting. Lower-fat options can work but may result in a less creamy frosting and a drier cake.

Can I substitute the baking soda with baking powder?

It is best to use baking soda as indicated because it reacts well with the acidic sour cream and bananas. Baking powder may not provide the same rise, resulting in a denser cake.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Start with the recommended amount of powdered sugar and heavy cream, and beat until you reach a thick consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more cream, but heavy cream requires more careful adjustment due to its richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free. Just watch the texture, as gluten-free flours can sometimes alter moisture levels.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining familiar comfort with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re baking it for family, friends, or just yourself, its tender crumb and creamy frosting will quickly make it a cherished classic in your recipe collection. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas and get baking — you won’t regret it!

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