Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting absolutely fits the bill. Imagine ultra-moist, flavorful banana cake slathered generously with luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting—each bite is pure nostalgia, loaded with the sweet essence of ripe bananas and a silky, not-too-sweet finish. This tried-and-true recipe is easy enough for a weeknight treat and special enough for birthdays or potlucks. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or cozying up at home, Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need to make things complicated! You probably already have everything you need for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in your kitchen. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s moisture, flavor, or that iconic golden crumb—to create a cake that’s perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

• All-purpose flour: This creates a soft, tender cake base that lets the banana flavor shine.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and has that light, airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors.
• Butter (for cake and frosting): Adds rich flavor and tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for best mixing.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake crisp up around the edges.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and contribute to that fluffy structure.
• Sour cream: This secret weapon keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a slight tang.
• Vanilla extract (for cake and frosting): Enhances the overall aroma and depth.
• Ripe bananas: The riper, the better—brown spots mean extra flavor and sweetness!
• Cream cheese (for frosting): The star of the frosting, it brings tangy creaminess to balance the cake’s sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting a smooth, spreadable texture without any grit.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s just the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan—don’t skip this step, or you risk sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed and helps keep the cake’s texture consistent.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

With a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy, usually about 3–4 minutes. This step introduces air and makes for a lovely, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined—the batter will look luscious at this point!

Step 5: Fold in the Bananas

Add your mashed bananas and stir gently. Overripe bananas are key to deep, sweet flavor and extra moist cake—make sure they’re well-mashed for a smooth batter.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing, or the cake could turn out dense rather than airy!

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth out the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for about 60–70 minutes—your kitchen will soon smell amazing! The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before spreading on the frosting. Patience pays off here; warm cake will cause that gorgeous cream cheese frosting to melt and run.

Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then slowly blend in the powdered sugar until your frosting is thick but spreadable. You’re just moments away from finishing your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Step 10: Frost and Serve

Once the cake is cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Slice and serve—you’ve just made a true classic!

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or add sliced fresh bananas for extra banana flair. A dusting of cinnamon or a light drizzle of caramel sauce also brings a bakery-style finish to Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, which balances the richness of both the cake and the frosting. For a celebratory dessert platter, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries—their tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting the centerpiece of your table? Try baking cupcakes for individual servings or use a decorative piping tip to swirl on the frosting in rosettes. You can even turn leftovers into trifles layered with whipped cream and extra banana slices for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cake leftovers keep best tightly covered in the refrigerator; the cream cheese frosting stays cool and fresh, and the banana cake remains moist for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so day two might be even tastier!

Freezing

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can absolutely be frozen. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cake, tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

If you like your cake a touch warm, gently microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. While this will soften the frosting, it also gives the cake a comforting, just-baked feel—especially good on a chilly evening!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Frost it just before serving for the freshest results—this also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?

If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until the skins darken and the fruit softens. Let them cool, and they’re ready to go for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Can I add mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips add delicious flavor and texture to the cake. Fold them in just before pouring the batter into the pan.

Is it possible to use a different pan size?

You can use two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake or even bake cupcakes—just reduce the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Does this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake chilled. Store it covered in the fridge, and let slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sharing a homemade Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with family and friends. It’s comforting, indulgent, and wonderfully easy to make—truly a cake to remember. Go ahead and whip up a batch soon; I promise, your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas and plenty of smiles!

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