Hey there, friends! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This dish brings back some fond memories of weekend mornings with my family, where the smell of ripe bananas and sweet cake wafted through the house, making everyone eager to gather around the kitchen table. There’s something so comforting about transforming simple, everyday ingredients into a treat that feels like a warm hug. If you’re a fan of classic banana bread, you’re going to love this cake—it’s banana bread’s fancier cousin, dressed to impress with a creamy, tangy frosting that makes it perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive in and make some sweet memories together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Delight
This recipe combines the beloved flavors of banana bread with the indulgence of a cake, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re reaching for a slice for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy dessert, this cake fits the bill. The combination of moist banana bread with a luscious cream cheese frosting is nothing short of magical, and it’s sure to warm your heart and stomach.
Family-Friendly
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a great way to bring the family together, whether for a lazy Sunday morning or a special celebration. The simplicity of the ingredients and the familiarity of the flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Simple and Accessible Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. There’s no need for a special trip to the store, which means you can enjoy this delightful cake without any fuss. The ingredients are straightforward, making it easy to whip up this cake whenever the craving hits.
Easy to Make
With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. Plus, as we go through the recipe, I’ll share some practical tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable. From creaming the butter and sugar to mixing the batter, each step is manageable, making this a great recipe to build baking confidence.
Versatile
Not only is this cake delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with your favorite toppings, from nuts to a dust of cinnamon, making it adaptable for various tastes and occasions. Whether you prefer a simple presentation or a more elaborate one, this cake can cater to your preferences.
The Recipe
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice/vinegar as a substitute)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for a smoother consistency)
Directions
-
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures that your cake will not stick to the pan and will come out easily once baked. -
Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a fluffy cake. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the mashed bananas. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. This ensures that the batter is smooth and well-mixed without being overworked, which can make the cake dense. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. Allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial as frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. -
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency. The heavy cream adds a silky texture and makes the frosting easier to spread. -
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped walnuts, pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon. These toppings add a delightful crunch and a hint of spice that enhances the flavor profile of the cake.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need both medium and large bowls for mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric Mixer: A handheld mixer works great for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the frosting. It ensures everything is blended evenly.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: Perfect for baking our cake evenly. This size ensures the cake bakes through without being too thick.
- Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients together without over-mixing.
- Toothpick: To test the cake’s doneness. A clean toothpick means your cake is perfectly baked.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Bananas
The star of the show! Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful. They are rich in potassium and provide a delightful aroma and taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
Flour
Flour provides structure and stability to the cake. It acts as the foundation, holding all the ingredients together and giving the cake its shape.
Baking Soda
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully. It reacts with the acidic components in the recipe (like buttermilk) to create bubbles that lift the batter.
Butter
Butter adds richness and enhances the flavor. Its fat content contributes to a tender crumb and a decadent taste.
Sugars (Granulated and Brown)
These sugars work together to sweeten the cake and add a hint of molasses flavor. The combination provides a balanced sweetness and a slight caramel undertone from the brown sugar.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture. They are crucial for structure and moisture, ensuring the cake is not dry.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness. It also reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives the frosting its creamy texture and tangy flavor, which complements the banana perfectly. It is rich and smooth, providing a luxurious finish to the cake.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting. Its fine texture allows for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
What to Serve With This Dish
While the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is delightful on its own, here are a few pairing suggestions to make your meal even more special:
A Warm Cup of Coffee or Tea
The perfect way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon snack. The warmth of the coffee or tea complements the flavors of the cake and enhances the overall experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Adds a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness. The vibrant colors and juicy textures of a fruit salad balance the richness of the cake and add a light, healthy touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream
For those who like a little extra indulgence, a scoop of ice cream makes this dessert even more decadent. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft cake and rich frosting.
For more pairing inspiration, check out my Simple Fruit Salad Recipe and Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Storage
Keep any leftovers covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a great make-ahead option.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and frost before serving. This makes it easy to prepare the cake in advance and have it ready when you need it.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake warm, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds) will do the trick. Just be sure to watch it closely so the frosting doesn’t melt away. A warm slice is comforting and enhances the cake’s flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends! A simple yet utterly delicious Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to become a staple in your home. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. Remember, cooking is all about making memories and sharing love through food. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Until next time, happy cooking!
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍌🍰🧁
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the mashed bananas.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy and smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped walnuts, pecans, or a dusting of cinnamon.