Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
When perfectly ripened bananas meet refined baking technique, the result is far more than traditional banana bread, it becomes an irresistibly soft, tender cake layered with warmth and richness. This Banana Bread Cake combines the comforting flavor of classic quick bread with the delicate crumb of a bakery-style sheet cake, finished with a silky cream cheese frosting. Thoughtfully balanced in sweetness and texture, this recipe delivers professional-quality results suitable for both everyday baking and special occasions.
Ingredients List
Banana Bread Cake
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Cream Base
Incorporate eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream for added moisture and tenderness.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Form the Batter
Gently fold dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft crumb.
Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely
Allow cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, adjusting consistency with milk if needed.
Frost and Finish
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake and optionally garnish with chopped nuts or banana slices.
Cook Time
Total: 50 minutes
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35 minutes
Servings
Makes approximately 12 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Values may vary depending on frosting thickness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days due to cream cheese frosting.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.
- Serving Tip: Bring chilled slices to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Suggestions
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a dessert-style variation.
- Lightly dust cinnamon over frosting for aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve with coffee or tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
- Reduce frosting thickness for a lighter everyday cake.
Seasonal Relevance
This Banana Bread Cake shines year-round but is especially comforting during fall and winter baking seasons, when warm spices and rich textures are most appreciated. It also serves beautifully as a holiday dessert or casual celebration cake.
Conclusion
The Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting bridges the gap between nostalgic home baking and refined dessert craftsmanship. Its tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and velvety frosting create harmony in both flavor and texture. Reliable, elegant, and deeply satisfying, this recipe transforms overripe bananas into a dessert worthy of any professional bakery display.
Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
12
servings15
minutes35
minutes420
kcalThis Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines the comforting flavor of classic banana bread with the soft, tender texture of a bakery-style cake. Made with ripe bananas and finished with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, this dessert delivers perfect balance between sweetness and creaminess. Ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or an indulgent everyday treat.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or yogurt
¼ cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.
- Stir in sour cream and milk until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the batter until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft cake texture.
- Chill frosted cake slightly for cleaner slices.
- Toasted walnuts or pecans can be added for extra texture.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without frosting?
Yes, the cake itself is moist and flavorful enough to serve plain or with a light powdered sugar dusting.
How ripe should bananas be for best results?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Absolutely. Bake in lined muffin tins for 18–22 minutes, adjusting baking time accordingly.
