Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (415 g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/3 cups (275 g) mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas); 3/4 cup (170 g) salted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 28 reviews

If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful cakes that bring warmth and comfort to any occasion, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is a heavenly combination of ripe bananas and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that balances sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, special celebration, or simply because you want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers a slice of happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of several ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a glass measuring cup filled with milk in the top left, next to a block of cream cheese wrapped in foil. Three brown eggs are placed below the milk, and a bunch of three ripe yellow bananas sits in the center. To the right of the bananas, there are small glass bowls with different contents: light brown sugar, plain white sugar, and a small amount of baking soda. Two glass spice jars labeled cinnamon and salt stand next to a small bottle of vanilla extract. At the bottom right, two sticks of salted butter lie side by side, near a clear glass bowl filled with flour, and another glass bowl with powdered sugar is placed further right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful harmony of each ingredient. Every element plays a vital role in creating the cake’s moist texture, deep flavor, and iconic look.

Mashed Bananas: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture that make this cake irresistibly tender.
All-purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it holds together while staying soft.
Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the banana flavor beautifully.
Salt: Balances flavors and accentuates sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the lovely golden crust.
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel richness and moisture.
Salted Butter: Gives richness and tenderness, making each slice melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Eggs: Bind ingredients while adding moisture and a slight lift.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang that complements the bananas.
Cream Cheese (for frosting): Softened to create the luscious, tangy frosting classic to this cake.
Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and firms the cream cheese frosting perfectly for spreading.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan so your banana cake doesn’t stick and releases cleanly when baked.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This blend of dry ingredients is the backbone of your batter, helping the cake rise and infusing it with subtle spice.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream 3/4 cup salted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar for about 4-5 minutes until the mix is light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, which will make your cake beautifully airy. Then, add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the smashed bananas to fold in that incredible banana flavor.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour and Buttermilk

Now, gently mix in half the buttermilk, followed by half the flour mixture, alternating until you incorporate everything. This method keeps your batter smooth and prevents it from becoming dense or overmixed.

Step 5: Bake Your Banana Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is the moment when your kitchen will start smelling absolutely amazing!

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Patience pays off here — let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting. This prevents melting and ensures your cream cheese frosting stays beautifully thick and creamy on top.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together 1/2 cup softened salted butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually beat in 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar until your frosting is perfectly smooth and spreadable. This frosting is the star partner of your banana cake, providing a luscious, tangy contrast to the sweet cake.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread your frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into generous squares and get ready to enjoy the incredible flavors of this classic dessert.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a rectangular banana cake in a gray baking pan placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two visible layers: a bottom layer with a light brown, soft, and crumbly texture, and a top thick layer of smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly across the surface. Three slices of banana are placed on top of the frosting, one on each of the three cut squares. A spatula lifts one square piece of cake from the pan, and in the background, there are two pieces of cake on white plates, along with a bunch of yellow bananas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for crunch and nuttiness. Fresh banana slices or a light dusting of cinnamon add a lovely visual and flavor garnish that makes your cake look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea. For brunch settings, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the lightness of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or layer it as a trifle with fresh bananas and whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert. Another fun twist is to add a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice to amp up the indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your banana cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and the cream cheese frosting’s texture. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying over several days without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed cool, it’s not typically reheated. If you prefer a slightly warmed slice, gently microwave a piece for about 10 seconds, but be mindful not to soften the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What is the best way to mash bananas for this cake?

Use a fork or potato masher to mash ripe bananas until smooth but still slightly chunky, providing moisture and texture without being too watery.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure to use one that contains xanthan gum or guar gum to help with the texture.

How long does the cream cheese frosting take to set?

After spreading the frosting on the cooled cake, it sets beautifully within 30 minutes at room temperature, but chilling it for an hour will firm it up even more.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13 inch pans or a larger pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly and checking with a toothpick for doneness.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, flavorful hug. The tender banana-infused cake combined with the smooth cream cheese frosting delivers a comforting sweetness that feels both nostalgic and special. I promise once you try it, this cake will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So preheat your oven, mash those bananas, and start making memories one delicious slice at a time