Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups mashed brown bananas (about 4 medium bananas); 1 1/3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature; 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of banana and rich, creamy frosting, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine biting into a moist, tender cake bursting with natural banana sweetness, perfectly balanced by a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s slightly tangy and silky smooth. This dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also impressively simple to whip up for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a weekend treat, or that potluck where everyone’s expecting something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl is filled with white flour, a small pile of white salt, and a small pile of brown cinnamon powder, all on top. To the left of this bowl is a small white bowl with white sugar inside and above that bowl is a peeled banana with brown spots next to a white bowl containing mashed banana. To the right of the large bowl, there is a small white bowl full of light brown sugar, a short clear glass filled with milk, and then a small white plate holding two rectangular pieces of yellow butter. Above the butter plate is a white egg carton holding three brown eggs. To the far right near the eggs, there is a small white bowl with dark brown liquid. All items are placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and the ideal texture. From ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, to the cream cheese that makes the frosting irresistibly tangy and creamy, these simple staples come together for something truly spectacular.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb for the cake.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for balanced leavening.
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice that enhances banana flavor.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides richness and a tender texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the bananas.
3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with floral warmth.
1 1/2 cups mashed brown bananas (about 4 medium): The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and moisture.
1 1/3 cups buttermilk, room temperature: Adds tang and tenderness, while keeping the cake moist.
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature: Gives the frosting its signature creamy tang.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Blends with cream cheese for smooth frosting texture.
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma to the frosting.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture builds the foundation for your cake’s texture and flavor, ensuring an even rise with tender crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy—about three minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cake a lighter texture and deep sweetness from the caramel notes in the brown sugar.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible, comforting aroma that makes banana cake feel like home.

Step 4: Mix in Mashed Bananas

Blend in the mashed bananas, and take a moment to appreciate how their natural sweetness and moisture start transforming the batter into something truly special. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl to mix everything evenly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With your mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry. This gradual mixing prevents overworking the batter, preserving tenderness while ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking at 35 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is perfect and ready to cool.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools completely, whip together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy, about two to three minutes. Add vanilla and then slowly blend in confectioners’ sugar one cup at a time. Adjust by adding a little extra sugar until you reach the perfect spreadable consistency that is rich and luxurious without being too sweet.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread your luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into generous pieces and get ready to enjoy one of the most perfect banana cakes you’ll ever taste.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A square slice of banana cake with two layers: the bottom layer is light brown and moist with visible texture, topped by a thick, smooth white cream layer. On top of the cream layer are three round banana slices neatly placed. The cake slice is on a white plate with blue floral patterns. Next to the cake on the plate is a shiny silver spoon. Behind this plate is a clear glass filled with white milk, and to the right, part of another similar cake slice on a matching plate is visible. The setting is on a wooden board on a white marbled surface with two small yellow bananas on the left side near a soft beige cloth with dark stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your cake with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for that delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the smooth frosting and moist cake. You can also add a few banana slices or a dusting of cinnamon to elevate its appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the sweetness perfectly, balancing flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the cake in elegant slices on vintage plates or cutting it into bite-sized squares for a fun party platter. You can also layer the cake and frosting in clear glass trifle bowls to showcase those inviting layers, turning it into a stunning visual dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover banana cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The cream cheese frosting means the cake should be stored chilled and will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days when sealed well.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen unfrosted cake lasts up to 3 months, and frosted cake about 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

For an unfrosted slice, gently warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Avoid reheating frosted cake by itself, as the texture of the cream cheese frosting may change with heat.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because they are sweeter and mash easily, which enhances the cake’s moist texture and rich banana flavor.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

While buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps tenderize the cake, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity if needed.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure the blend is suitable for baking to keep the cake moist and tender.

How do I get the frosting to the perfect consistency?

Start by beating the cream cheese and butter well, then add powdered sugar slowly. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it spreads smoothly without dripping.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe scales well. Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or two pans to ensure even baking and consistent results.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong making and sharing this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a timeless dessert that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, the ease and delicious outcome of this cake will quickly make it one of your favorites to bake again and again.