If you are on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful treat combines the moist, tender crumb of banana bread with the indulgent richness of cream cheese frosting, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every slice offers a wonderful balance of sweetness, a hint of tang from the sour cream, and that irresistible cream cheese topping that makes each bite utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or an everyday afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to achieving the perfect taste, texture, and appearance for your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and delivering that moist, tender cake topped with velvety frosting.
- Ripe bananas: Using very ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness without overpowering the delicate banana flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the natural sweetness and helps create a light texture.
- Eggs: Provide structure and a lovely golden color to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that deepens the cake’s flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake keeping it soft yet sturdy enough to hold the frosting.
- Baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent for that perfect rise.
- Salt: Elevates and balances the sweetness throughout the cake.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the star ingredient for the luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to a silky finish.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily when it’s baked. Getting this step right sets you up for smooth sailing later on.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, helping your banana bread cake stay airy and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time to make sure everything is fully incorporated. Then add your mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream. The bananas and sour cream together create a moist batter with a subtle tang, adding complexity and depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, which prevents any uneven rising or flavor pockets.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until combined just enough. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so be gentle for a beautifully tender crumb.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cooling the cake completely before frosting is key to getting that perfect finish.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the frosting turns light and fluffy. This luscious frosting is what makes this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so irresistible.
Step 8: Frost Your Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the cake for a bit so the frosting firms up just slightly before you cut and serve. This ensures every slice looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle crunch by sprinkling chopped walnuts or toasted pecans on top of the frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few banana slices can make your presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea also complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. For a party, cut the cake into small squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for easy, bite-sized treats that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully before frosting. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then apply frosting fresh for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, allow a slice to come to room temperature then warm in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Keep the frosting cool to hold its texture, or serve it cold for a refreshing balance.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter adds wonderful texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that offers a similar tang and moisture level to keep the cake tender and flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Why does the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe call for softened butter and cream cheese?
Softened butter and cream cheese blend more smoothly, creating a better texture both in the batter and the frosting. Cold ingredients can cause lumps or a grainy finish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly depending on the blend you use.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s simple to make yet feels delightfully special—perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo with a cozy drink. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t wait—bake it today and fall in love with this luscious, moist, and creamy classic.
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, sour cream, and a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a tender crumb and a luscious topping that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cake.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated. Then add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until combined to add moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting to ensure it does not melt.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate the frosted cake briefly to set the frosting before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- For added texture, stir 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- This cake can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
