Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Deliciously Moist Treat for Every Occasion

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If you’re looking for a cake that is bursting with flavor, incredibly moist, and topped with the creamiest frosting, then banana cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect choice. Whether you want to bake something special for your family, bring a dessert to a party, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, this cake recipe will quickly become your go-to.

Banana cake is a classic comfort dessert that takes advantage of ripe bananas, turning them into a tender, flavorful cake with a hint of natural sweetness. When paired with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, the result is a perfect balance of tastes and textures — soft, moist cake with luscious frosting that melts in your mouth.

In this article, I’ll walk you through every step of making this banana cake from scratch, share helpful tips for the best results, and provide variations to customize the cake to your liking. Let’s dive in!

Why Banana Cake?

Bananas are nature’s candy, packed with flavor and moisture. When you bake with ripe bananas, the cake naturally becomes moist and sweet without the need for excessive sugar or fats. Banana cake is versatile and loved by kids and adults alike.

Unlike banana bread, which is denser and usually baked in a loaf pan, banana cake is lighter and baked in a round or square pan, making it perfect for layering and frosting. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet banana flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Before we start baking, here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need for both the banana cake and the cream cheese frosting.

For the Banana Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt as substitute)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for thinning frosting)

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9×9-inch square cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling rack
  • Knife or cake leveler (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan(s) with butter or non-stick spray and lightly flour them. This helps prevent the cake from sticking. If you’re using round pans and plan to layer the cake, you may want to line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter and results in a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is combined before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Add Mashed Bananas

Stir in the mashed bananas. If your bananas are very ripe, they’ll add natural sweetness and moisture to the batter, making the cake incredibly soft.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredient mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake dense and tough, so be gentle.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes (for one 9×9 pan) or 30-35 minutes (for two 8-inch rounds). The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges to loosen it and transfer the cake onto a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency

Once all the sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Frosting and Assembling the Cake

If you baked your cake in two layers, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For a single-layer cake, just spread frosting evenly over the top.

For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula and scrape off excess frosting as you go. You can also decorate the cake with chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), banana slices, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Tips for the Best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Use very ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the more flavor and natural sweetness you get in your cake. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or even mostly brown skin.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, mix just until incorporated to avoid a tough cake.
  • Room temperature ingredients. Make sure your butter, cream cheese, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
  • Check for doneness early. Ovens vary, so start checking your cake around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
  • Chill the frosting if needed. If your cream cheese frosting feels too soft to spread, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes, then give it a quick whip before using.
  • Add texture. Feel free to fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Make ahead tip. The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, then frost the next day for fresher results.

Variations to Try

  • Banana Walnut Cake: Add 1/2 to 1 cup chopped walnuts to the batter for a lovely crunch.
  • Banana Chocolate Chip Cake: Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting liquid slightly if needed.
  • Vegan Banana Cake: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg), vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Banana cake with cream cheese frosting keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent the frosting from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Serve the cake slightly chilled or at room temperature. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

Conclusion

Banana cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and tangy frosting come together in perfect harmony, making it irresistible for any occasion — from birthdays and holidays to casual family gatherings.

The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or even make it vegan or gluten-free. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is easy to whip up and adds a luscious finish.

Next time you have some ripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t let them go to waste. Grab this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade banana cake heaven. Happy baking!