If you adore the cozy aroma of fresh bananas and the irresistible tang of cream cheese frosting, then this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to be your new kitchen favorite. This cake perfectly marries the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with the fluffy, luscious richness of a cream cheese topping that transforms every bite into a celebration. Easy to prepare yet so satisfying, this recipe delivers comforting sweetness and a delightful texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is like laying the foundation for a delicious success. Each item here is simple but essential, contributing flavor, moisture, and texture to create this unforgettable cake.
- Ripe bananas: Mash them well to provide natural sweetness and moisture that keep the cake tender.
- Unsalted butter: Melted in the batter for richness and softened in the frosting for creamy smoothness.
- Sugar: Adds that perfect level of sweetness to balance the bananas and cream cheese.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping your cake hold together with a light, airy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors beautifully in both cake and frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The structure provider that gives your cake its shape and form.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, ensuring a soft crumb with just the right lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the banana flavor.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Bring a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create the lush, tangy frosting that makes this cake extra special.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it that silky, smooth finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done, setting you up for a perfect shape every time.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first ensures that the bananas are well incorporated and the sugar starts dissolving, which translates to a moist and flavorful cake.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
Next, gently fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir only until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your cake tender. If you’re going for a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts here as well.
Step 4: Bake your banana bread cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time creates a perfectly done cake with a golden crust and moist interior.
Step 5: Cool before frosting
Allow the banana bread cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting when applied.
Step 6: Prepare the cream cheese frosting
While the cake is cooling, beat together softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This frosting is the star that gives the cake its luxurious finish.
Step 7: Frost and serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice, serve, and get ready for compliments on your incredible Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and add subtle flavor highlights. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or banana chips on top for extra texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the banana’s warm flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. For a lighter option, serve with fresh berries or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your banana bread cake into cute mini squares or elegant finger-sized portions for parties or afternoon teas. You could even layer it with extra cream cheese frosting between slices for a makeshift layered cake that wows every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its moist texture and tangy frosting day after day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, bring slices to room temperature before serving. If you prefer it warm, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds but avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting excessively.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because they’re extra sweet and soft, which enhances the flavor and moisture of the cake.
Is it necessary to use walnuts?
Walnuts are completely optional. They add crunch and a nutty dimension, but the cake is just as delicious without them, especially for those with nut allergies or preferences.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before spreading it onto the cake for the best consistency.
What kind of flour works best?
All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe as it provides the right balance between tenderness and structure. Using cake flour might result in a softer crumb, but all-purpose is most reliable.
Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Use the same batter, fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full, and bake at 350°F for around 20-25 minutes. Top each cupcake with cream cheese frosting once cooled for a delightful twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for your family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, this cake delivers rich flavor and comforting warmth in every bite. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this baking adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful banana bread cake topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. This classic treat combines ripe bananas and chopped walnuts for texture, baked to perfection, and finished with a luscious frosting, making it a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Banana Bread Cake
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the banana bread cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version or have allergies.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for best flavor and moisture.
- Store leftover banana bread cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or banana slices on top of the frosting before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
