If you adore banana bread but crave something just a touch more decadent, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will steal your heart (and probably a good portion of your taste buds too!). Think of it as the meeting point between classic banana bread and an irresistibly moist layer cake—finished with the dreamiest blanket of sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten up a Tuesday, this recipe delivers warm, nostalgic flavors in every slice. Prepare yourself: you’ll absolutely want seconds!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is that it comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the ultimate flavor and texture. Using ripe bananas brings incredible natural sweetness, while sour cream keeps the crumb unbelievably tender. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

Ripe bananas (3, mashed): Overripe bananas lend extra sweetness and a deep banana flavor—plus, they mash easily!
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides moisture, richness, and that signature buttery taste—make sure it’s soft for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): A classic sweetener that helps give the cake a lovely crumb.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds depth and a subtle molasses note, which complements the bananas beautifully.
Large eggs (2): The binding force for your cake, making sure everything holds together while adding structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and brings a warm, comforting aroma to both the cake and frosting.
Sour cream (½ cup): The secret to an extra-moist, tender cake; use full-fat for the best results.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides structure without making the cake too dense.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise, keeping the crumb light rather than heavy.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the frosting—smooth, tangy, and utterly delicious when whipped.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): Dissolves effortlessly into the frosting for a silky-smooth finish.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra note of fragrant sweetness to the frosting.
Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup): Stir them in for a little crunch and a nutty flavor boost—highly recommended if you love texture.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Giving your pan a generous buttering (or a lining of parchment paper) ensures your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting releases easily, keeping every golden edge beautifully intact.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cake a tender crumb and that bakery-style texture everyone dreams of.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition to create a smooth, glossy batter. Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream; this combination infuses the cake with moisture and warmth while that irresistible banana aroma starts to waft through your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavener and salt distribute evenly, resulting in a perfectly risen, seasoned cake.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can toughen the cake, so take it easy here! If you’re adding nuts, gently fold them in at this stage for a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Pop it in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. As your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting bakes, your entire kitchen will smell irresistible—just try to let it cool completely before moving on!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar gradually, and finish with vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth like a cloud. It’s silky, tangy, and just sweet enough—a perfect match for the rich banana cake underneath.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled cake, swirling it with a spatula for those luscious bakery-style swoops. If you’d like, sprinkle chopped nuts or banana slices on top to really show off your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

This cake loves to play dress up! Try a sprinkle of toasted nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few artfully arranged banana slices on top of the luscious cream cheese frosting. If you’re feeling creative, a few edible flowers or mini chocolate chips add a fun, whimsical touch that makes every slice photo-worthy.

Side Dishes

Although this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting easily stands alone, you can pair it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even an after-dinner espresso. It’s also lovely with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a bright, summery contrast to its rich, cake-y crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming brunch or potluck, cut the cake into squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board, each slice with its own garnish. Turn it into a layer cake by baking in round pans and stacking with extra frosting in the middle. Or, for a fun party treat, serve as bite-sized bars in mini cupcake liners—effortlessly elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting keeps beautifully. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or store individual slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The frosting helps keep the cake moist, and flavors often deepen by day two—if you can wait that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the cake chill completely first. Then wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. For best results, freeze without frosting and add a fresh batch after thawing, but you can freeze with frosting in a pinch—just thaw overnight in the fridge for a treat as delicious as the day it was baked.

Reheating

While this cake is delicious cold, you can bring it to room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave (10-15 seconds) for that just-baked feel. If you’ve frozen the cake, let it thaw in the fridge before enjoying. Don’t heat it too long or hot, or the frosting will melt into the cake—which honestly, is also pretty delightful!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for the cake?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas actually intensify the flavor, making your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting even more banana-forward.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt goes toe-to-toe with sour cream and works perfectly in this recipe. Use full-fat for the creamiest, richest result.

How long can I keep Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

This cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to keep it covered so the frosting stays soft and the cake doesn’t dry out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The bananas and sour cream will keep it moist and no one will guess it’s gluten free!

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 9-inch round cake pans for a layer cake (bake time will be a bit shorter), or even try cupcakes—just adjust baking time and check for doneness early.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of recipe that puts smiles on faces and makes any day a little bit sweeter. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new go-to treat for birthdays, brunches, or cozy evenings at home. Happy baking!