Name: Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16.25 oz. box yellow cake mix; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (approx. 1 cup); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4.4 oz. full-fat block cream cheese, at room temperature; 60 g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 74 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of moist, fluffy banana-infused cake paired with a velvety cream cheese frosting that’s simply irresistible. What’s even better is that this recipe takes all the fuss out of baking from scratch while delivering fantastic flavor, making it a go-to treat whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A transparent glass bowl containing three main layers: the bottom layer is a pile of white flour spread evenly, the middle layer has two bright orange egg yolks sitting close to each other along with some white liquid, and the top layer is golden yellow liquid oil pooling around the eggs and flour edges. Two silver mixer beaters are spinning rapidly in the bowl's center, creating blurred motion on the liquids. A woman's hand is steadying the bowl on the right edge. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe requires just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a key role in building its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the fragrant spices that give the cake a warm depth, every item is essential.

Yellow cake mix: The base that ensures a tender and fluffy crumb with minimal work.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly and stay light.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with banana.
Ground nutmeg: A pinch of this brings subtle spice for complexity.
Ripe bananas: Use truly ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Large eggs: At room temperature, they help bind ingredients and enrich the cake.
Whole milk: Adds tenderness and balances the batter’s texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Provides moisture and a slight fruity undertone without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor, rounding out the sweetness.
Full-fat cream cheese: The key to a luscious, tangy frosting with perfect richness.
Unsalted butter: Softened for creamy frosting texture without excess saltiness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting for that silky finish.

How to Make Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy cake removal. If you want an extra-smooth release, lining the base with parchment paper is a terrific trick that makes cleanup easier and keeps your cake looking perfect.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are evenly mixed. This ensures that every bite of your banana cake will have a melody of balanced flavors, from subtle spice to a light rise that keeps the cake pleasingly soft.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Into Dry

Add your mashed ripe bananas, eggs at room temperature, milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using electric beaters, mix on low to medium speed for about 40 seconds. The key here is to combine everything thoroughly without over-mixing, which can make the cake tough instead of tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Transfer Batter and Bake

Pour your well-mixed batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface gently. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This step is crucial: the cake should be moist but fully cooked through for the perfect base of this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe.

Step 5: Cool Before Adding Frosting

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off, so patience now will reward you with a smooth and beautiful finish.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using electric beaters, cream the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for about one minute until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides to ensure every bit is blended.

Step 7: Add Sugar and Cinnamon to Frosting

Sift powdered sugar together with ground cinnamon and beat into the cream cheese mixture on medium-high speed for about 40 seconds. The cinnamon elevates the frosting from simply sweet to a deliciously spiced topping that perfectly complements the banana cake’s warmth.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Now it’s ready to slice, serve, and delight in every moist, tender bite of this crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe

A rectangular banana cake is placed on a white marbled surface, base layer showing a moist, speckled brown texture, topped with a thick, creamy light beige frosting layer that is spread unevenly but smoothly. The cake is cut into seven pieces with three pieces pulled slightly forward, showing the soft inside and consistency of the cake. There is a banana in the blurry background and a knife with a light wooden handle is placed to the right side of the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon or a few banana slices arranged artfully on top can enhance the look and aroma of your cake, making it even more inviting. Toasted walnuts or pecans also add a wonderful crunch if you want a textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can add brightness and balance the buttery sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe on a decorative platter with edible flowers or alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. You can even turn leftovers into decadent trifle layers with extra frosting and fruit, giving the cake a whole new life.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover your banana cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying slices as a quick breakfast or late-night snack.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake either with or without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When frozen without frosting, thaw completely before making and spreading frosting for the best texture. Frozen cake keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your banana cake warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick step enhances the flavors and softens the frosting slightly, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic yellow cake mix gives a perfect base here, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes to add different flavor dimensions. Just be mindful that heavier mixes may alter cooking times slightly.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture, so if yours aren’t quite there, you can ripen them quickly by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or placing them in a warm spot for a day or two.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the whole milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes for the frosting. The cake might have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

The entire process from start to finish takes about 55 minutes, making this recipe ideal for a quick and satisfying dessert that doesn’t require all day.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan or two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Using Cake Mix Recipe that makes it a permanent favorite in my kitchen and, hopefully, yours too. It’s a fantastic blend of convenience and flavor that anyone can master, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert. So go ahead—bake this cake, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every delightful bite!