Introduction
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort in a pan—moist, tender banana cake topped with rich, velvety frosting. Think banana bread, but elevated to a dessert-worthy delight that’s equally perfect for brunch, potlucks, afternoon tea, or family movie night. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back happy memories while making new ones. Fun fact: adding sour cream boosts moisture and gives that signature bakery-style texture.
Pro Tip
Use overripe, speckled bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor—and don’t overmix the batter once you add them to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch Favorite: Serve a square alongside hot coffee or chai latte.
- Special Occasion Dessert: Decorate with thin banana slices and chopped walnuts for birthday parties.
- Cozy Family Night: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter, plant-based sour cream, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Nutty Highlight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle on top of frosting.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides perfect size for even baking and serving.
- Mixing Bowls (2): One for wet ingredients and one for dry to ensure smooth mixing.
- Electric or Hand Mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar until fluffy and combine frosting fully.
- Spatula: Ideal for folding in bananas and smoothing batter/frosting.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient ratios for best texture.
Tips for Success
- Preheat oven fully to avoid uneven baking.
- Grease the pan well or line with parchment for clean removal.
- Use room-temperature eggs, butter, and sour cream for smooth blending.
- Test cake doneness at 25 minutes; remove when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a perfect blend of nostalgic banana bread and elegant frosted cake. Easy to make in one dish with everyday ingredients, yet the flavor and texture feel special. Whether you’re baking for everyday moments or celebrations, this recipe delivers comfort and crowd-pleasing brilliance every time.
Ultimate Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25–35 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 18
Ingredients
Banana Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 ×inch baking dish. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in eggs one at a time, then sour cream and vanilla until smooth. - Stir in Dry Goods
Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. - Fold in Bananas
Fold in mashed bananas gently; avoid overmixing. - Bake
Pour batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. - Cool
Let the cake cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes). - Make Frosting
Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Blend in vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream until creamy and spreadable. - Frost & Serve
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice into bars and serve.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Estimated)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQ
1. Can I bake this in a loaf pan?
Yes—bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, until a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temp before enjoying.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Freeze unfrosted cake tightly wrapped, up to 2 months. Thaw, then add frosting.
4. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Substitute plain Greek yogurt, same amount, for similar moisture and tang.
5. Can I add spices?
Absolutely! Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warm flavor.
