If you love the sweet harmony of fresh fruit and creamy frosting, you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries with the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting, creating a moist, flavorful dessert that feels both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekend treat or a special occasion, this cake delivers layers of flavor and texture that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with one layer of thick, creamy, white batter that is smooth and stretched across the base and sides of the bowl. On top, a layer of deep red powder with a slightly crumbly texture is spread over about half of the batter, creating a strong contrast between the white cream and the red powder. The bowl's transparent sides show the thickness of the batter beneath the powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from the ripe banana bringing moisture and natural sweetness to the spices adding warm depth and the fresh strawberries lending bursts of fruity flavor and vibrant color.

Ripe banana: Use a very ripe banana to ensure maximum sweetness and moisture.
All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices add a warm, cozy aroma and depth of flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help your cake rise perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and a smooth texture.
Granulated and brown sugar: The mix of sugars ensures a complex sweetness and moist texture.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a tender crumb without heaviness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and keeps the cake moist.
Chopped fresh strawberries: Coated lightly with flour to prevent sinking and to burst with juicy sweetness in every bite.
Cream cheese: For the luscious frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors in the frosting.
Freeze-dried strawberry slices: Ground into powder to infuse the frosting with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor and pretty pink hue.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Get your oven preheated to 350℉ and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper—it helps with easy removal and cleanup. Mash your very ripe banana until smooth and chop the fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Toss the strawberries with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking during baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture will provide the delicate spice and the perfect lift your cake needs.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Adding oil here helps keep the cake moist, while eggs bring richness and structure. Beat the eggs in one at a time until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of the dry ingredients to your butter mixture, then pour in the buttermilk, and finally the remaining dry ingredients. Mixing them in stages keeps your batter smooth and ensures even incorporation.

Step 5: Fold in Banana and Strawberries

Gently fold in your mashed banana and floured strawberries using a spatula. This careful mixing keeps the fruit pieces intact, ensuring each slice of cake has juicy bursts of flavor.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on the top—if it browns too quickly, tent it with foil. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, pulse freeze-dried strawberry slices in a food processor until powdery. Beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy and smooth, then add vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until silky. Finally, blend in the strawberry powder to finish your luscious frosting.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once your cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. This step is where everything comes together—the tangy, sweet frosting is the perfect partner for the moist strawberry banana cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a square cake with a thick layer of light pink frosting spread unevenly on top, creating a textured swirl pattern. On the top left corner of the cake, there are three bright red strawberries with green leaves arranged closely together. The cake sits on white parchment paper laid on a white marbled surface. Around the cake, there are whole strawberries placed casually, along with a white bowl filled with more strawberries on the bottom right and two metal butter knives on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your cake with a few freeze-dried strawberry slices on top for a pop of color and a little crunch. Fresh mint leaves also pair beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the frosting.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream makes an indulgent accompaniment that complements the fruity flavor. Fresh berries on the side can also brighten the plate and keep the strawberry theme alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this cake in individual trifle glasses layered with extra strawberries and whipped cream adds a fun twist to the classic. Or, cut it into small squares and assemble a dessert platter with nuts and fresh fruit for a beautiful buffet display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the moisture and keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. You can also freeze frosted cake slices individually for easy treats later on.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid heating the entire cake to prevent the frosting from melting. Enjoy the cozy warmth contrasting with the cool cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?

While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, frozen can work if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?

You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are very ripe with lots of brown spots; they are sweeter and softer, which makes the cake moist and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum can work well. Be sure to check your leavening agents and other ingredients for gluten-free certification.

Can I make the frosting without a mixer?

While a mixer makes things easier, you can whisk cream cheese and butter by hand vigorously until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those joyful desserts that feels like a warm hug through every bite. Its balance of fresh fruit, spices, and creamy frosting will make it your go-to cake for family gatherings or whenever you crave a sweet treat with a homemade touch. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved recipe in your kitchen!