Pillowy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The Coziest Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Crafting a delightful banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting sparks joy in every home baker’s heart.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as ripe bananas meld into a tender, moist creation.

Softened cream cheese transforms this classic treat into an irresistible dessert that whispers comfort.

Pantry staples become magic under gentle mixing and careful baking techniques.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla complement the rich banana essence perfectly.

Layers of creamy frosting add a luxurious finish that makes this cake impossible to resist.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary that everyone will adore.

Banana Bread Cake Layered with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Whip Up with Ease: Simple banana bread cake that transforms basic ingredients into a delightful dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats that everyone will love.
  • Foolproof Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable dessert that works as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant party dessert with minimal effort.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the banana bread cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
  • Ripe Bananas: Gives natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Ensures a tender and moist cake.
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps achieve desired frosting consistency.

Baking Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Set your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Blend in the following ingredients until completely smooth:
  • Eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Step 4: Mix Dry Components

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients, stirring gently to prevent overmixing:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 5: Fold in Bananas

Gently incorporate thoroughly mashed bananas into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cake rest in the pan until it reaches room temperature. This helps the texture set perfectly.

Step 8: Craft the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Cream cheese
Beat until silky smooth. Then add:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar
  • Heavy cream

Blend until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Slice

Generously cover the cooled cake with the luscious cream cheese frosting. Cut into squares and serve to eager friends and family.

Cake Tips That Perfect Banana Bread Fusion

  • Ripen Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your cake.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough, dense texture and maintain a light, fluffy cake.
  • Prevent Frosting Lumps: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before beating to create a smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • Check Cake Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and won't dry out.
  • Store Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop and maintain moisture.

How to Chill and Serve Banana Bread Cake with Frosting

  • Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
  • Slice cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Leave uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
  • Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness without drying out cake.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Flavor Picks

  • Dessert Wine Delight: Pair this rich banana bread cake with a sweet late-harvest Riesling, enhancing the creamy frosting and banana notes.
  • Nutty Companion Crunch: Serve alongside toasted pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying texture contrast and bring out the cake's warm, comforting flavors.
  • Coffee Harmony Boost: Match with a smooth medium-roast coffee or cappuccino, which cuts through the sweetness and complements the cake's dense, moist profile.
  • Fresh Fruit Freshener: Accompany with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries to provide a tart, refreshing counterpoint to the cake's richness.

Banana Bread Cake with Frosting Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's soft texture.
  • Vegan Banana Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flaxseed mix, and cream cheese frosting with dairy-free cashew cream frosting.
  • Nutty Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and rich, earthy flavor that complements the sweet banana base.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while keeping the cake's moist, tender characteristics.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread cake because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, adding more moisture and flavor to the cake.

  • Is it possible to make this cake without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives will help maintain the cake’s moisture and tender texture.

  • How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and moist.

  • Can I freeze this banana bread cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pillowy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pillowy Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Homemade banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting delivers pure comfort and nostalgia in every delightful slice. Rich banana flavors meld perfectly with smooth cream cheese, creating a dessert that invites warm memories and sweet indulgence for you.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups (1.5 cup / 340 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
  • 0.5 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) butter, softened

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer.
  2. Create a smooth base by vigorously whisking softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
  3. Incorporate liquid ingredients by blending eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until completely integrated.
  4. Carefully fold dry components – flour, baking soda, and salt – into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a light texture.
  5. Introduce mashed bananas into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface for uniform baking.
  7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool entirely within the baking dish, which helps maintain moisture.
  9. Prepare the frosting by whipping softened butter and cream cheese until silky and well-combined.
  10. Enhance the frosting by adding vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, beating until achieving a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
  11. Once the cake has completely cooled, generously cover the surface with the cream cheese frosting.
  12. Slice into servings and present this delectable banana bread cake for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for deeper, sweeter flavor and more moisture in your banana bread cake.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense texture; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
  • Enhance the cake’s richness by adding optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star