Best Ever Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist and Delicious
Banana bread and cake lovers, rejoice! This Best Ever Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate dessert for those who crave a moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced treat. This cake captures the rich, comforting taste of traditional banana bread but elevates it with a velvety cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. If you’re searching for the perfect banana dessert, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
Imagine enjoying a warm slice of this banana bread cake with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as a decadent dessert after dinner. The aroma of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla filling your kitchen will make this a family favorite. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means you don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve bakery-quality results right at home.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A rich banana flavor with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, beautifully complemented by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting.
- Texture: Moist and tender, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Aroma: Warm notes of banana, cinnamon, and vanilla create an inviting and nostalgic fragrance.
- Visual Appeal: A golden-brown, luscious cake topped with creamy, smooth frosting and an optional sprinkle of nuts for added elegance.
- Skill Level Needed: Simple techniques make this an easy cake, even for novice bakers.
- Special Equipment: A mixing bowl, whisk, electric mixer, 9×13-inch baking dish, and cooling rack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This banana bread cake delivers an unbeatable combination of taste and texture. The bananas ensure a naturally sweet, plush cake, while the cream cheese frosting provides a luxurious contrast. Baking this cake fills your home with irresistible scents of vanilla and spice, making it as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat.
Unlike traditional banana bread, this version is designed to be enjoyed as a dessert, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or simple weeknight treats. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, you’ll achieve mouthwatering results every time.
Nutritionally, bananas offer potassium and fiber, while the frosting adds a creamy indulgence that makes each bite satisfying. You can also tweak the recipe by reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier twist.
This cake is a social centerpiece. Serve it for birthdays, potlucks, or dinner parties, and watch as guests dive in for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Finally, it’s cost-effective. Bananas are inexpensive, and the remaining ingredients are likely already in your pantry. This easy banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting offers gourmet flavor without the high price tag of bakery cakes.
The Recipe
Best Ever Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt, followed by the mashed bananas.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. If needed, add milk for a thinner consistency.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and serve.
Recipe Notes
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- For a nuttier flavor, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
