Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I adore this moist, tender banana bread cake layered or topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s like enjoying classic banana bread in cake form—rich, comforting, and sweetly decadent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake brings the best of banana bread—natural sweetness and soft texture—elevated by creamy frosting. It feels indulgent for special occasions yet easy enough for a casual weekend bake. Plus, the frosting makes each slice feel every bit like dessert.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Ripe bananas, mashed
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth)
• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice or zest (to brighten the frosting)

directions

1. I begin by preheating the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and preparing a cake pan—greased or lined with parchment.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, granulated and brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

3. I stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

4. In another bowl, I combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon, if using.

5. I gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture just until no streaks of flour remain—overmixing makes the cake dense.

6. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30–40 minutes (depending on pan size) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. I let it cool completely.

7. While it cools, I prepare the frosting: I beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice or zest until smooth and spreadable.

8. Once the cake is fully cooled, I spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top (and between layers, if making a two-layer cake).

9. I chill the cake slightly so the frosting sets, then slice and serve.

Servings and timing

This cake yields about 8–10 servings.
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: ~30–40 minutes
Cooling + chilling time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Nutty upgrade: I fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting.

• Chocolate twist: I stir chocolate chips into the batter for bursts of sweetness.

• Spice it up: I add nutmeg or ginger to the batter for extra depth.

• Layered cake: I divide the batter into two pans to make a two-layer cake and fill the middle with frosting.

• Healthy swap: I replace a portion of the flour with whole wheat or almond flour and reduce sugar slightly.

storage/reheating

I store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before serving, I let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes—it softens the cake and brings out flavor. At room temperature, unfrosted pieces last ~2 days in a covered container.

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in the cake?

I can—the banana adds natural sweetness, so I often reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup without affecting texture much.

Can this be made gluten‑free?

Yes—I substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free blend and check that baking powder is gluten‑free. The cake still turns out moist and tender.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Absolutely—I bake the batter in muffin tins for about 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then top each cooled cupcake with frosting.

Can I freeze the cake?

I do—I freeze unfrosted slices or a whole unfrosted cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

I’ve found that sinking often comes from underbaking or opening the oven door too early. I avoid that and ensure the center tests clean before removing it.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my favorite bakes when I crave something comforting yet celebratory. I love how easy it is to whip together yet decadent enough for guests. Whether juicy and simple or dressed up with nuts or chocolate, this cake never fails to please.

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