Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect dessert for those who love the comforting flavors of banana bread but want to indulge in a cake-like treat. The combination of moist, banana-infused cake topped with rich and creamy frosting makes for an irresistible dessert that will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or simply craving a deliciously sweet snack, this banana bread cake is an ideal choice. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy contrast to the sweet and fragrant banana flavor, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields a wonderfully moist cake that has just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, the banana bread cake is sure to impress with its tender crumb and delectable frosting. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this cake is an ideal option for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. Let’s take a deeper dive into why this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Flavorful Cake

The banana bread base is wonderfully moist and flavorful, with the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and a rich texture that’s simply irresistible.

2. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

The cream cheese frosting provides a lovely tangy contrast to the sweet banana bread, creating the perfect balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and comes together in a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

4. Customizable with Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.

5. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this banana bread cake is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Cake:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Variations

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cake

Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the banana bread batter for a chocolatey twist on this classic treat. The chocolate pairs wonderfully with the bananas and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

Vegan Banana Bread Cake

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy butter and vegan cream cheese for the frosting. This will make the cake just as delicious without any animal products.

Cinnamon Banana Bread Cake

Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the bananas. This adds a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking while baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 4: Add Walnuts (Optional)

If you’re using walnuts, fold them into the batter at this point. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the banana bread cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool ensures the frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is fluffy and light.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can also swirl the frosting for a decorative touch.

Tips for Making Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Overripe bananas work best for this recipe.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Stir the ingredients until just combined to ensure a light, moist texture.
Softened Butter and Cream Cheese: For smooth frosting, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing.
Add More Flavor: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of maple syrup to the batter for extra flavor.

How to Serve

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Slice the cake into thick pieces and serve it as a dessert, snack, or even as a sweet breakfast treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful choice for an afternoon break. For an extra touch, top each slice with a few banana slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover banana bread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from melting.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, allow it to cool completely and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature and frost before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm, moist treat. Alternatively, you can warm the cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without walnuts?

Yes, walnuts are optional in this recipe. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cake.

2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to add a deeper flavor and moisture to the cake.

3. Can I use dairy-free ingredients?

Yes, you can use non-dairy butter and vegan cream cheese to make this cake dairy-free. The flavor will still be fantastic!

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there’s batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great idea! Simply fold them into the batter along with the walnuts for an extra touch of sweetness.

6. How long should I let the cake cool before frosting?

Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

7. Can I make this in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan may require more time, while a larger one may bake faster.

8. Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

9. Can I make this cake without frosting?

Yes, the banana bread cake is delicious on its own. However, the cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the cake even more special.

10. How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dense?

To keep the cake light and airy, avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, and be sure to use ripe bananas for the best texture.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an irresistible treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread with the decadence of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, dessert, or a crowd-pleasing treat, this cake is sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and the option to customize with add-ins, it’s a recipe everyone will love. So, next time you have some ripe bananas sitting on the counter, try this recipe—you won’t regret it!