Banana Bread Cake Recipe With Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

This is the best ever banana bread cake recipe, combining the cozy comfort of classic banana bread with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up ripe bananas. If you enjoy banana-based treats, you might also love this Easy Banana Pudding Recipe. This simple dessert is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

This moist Banana Bread Cake delivers rich banana flavor with a tender, buttery crumb, perfectly complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting that makes it feel truly decadent.

• 1/2 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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
• For frosting: 1/2 cup butter, softened
• For frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• For frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar
• For frosting: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For frosting: 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	55 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes

Context: This Banana Bread Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it a great choice for a quick and easy treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of your Banana Bread Cake.

Step 2 — Mash the Bananas

In a medium bowl, mash 3 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. You should have about 1½ cups of mashed banana for optimal moisture and flavor in your Banana Bread Cake.

Step 3 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the mashed bananas until well combined.

Step 4 — Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your Banana Bread Cake batter.

Step 5 — Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few flour streaks are fine. Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes at 350°F. Your Banana Bread Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the Banana Bread Cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to maintain structure and prevent crumbling.

Banana Bread Cake Nutrition

Calories	320
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for oil — Adds protein and moisture while reducing fat content.
• Almond flour for all-purpose flour — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb version with a nutty flavor.
• Coconut sugar for brown sugar — Provides a lower glycemic index option with caramel notes.
• Applesauce for butter — Reduces fat and keeps the banana bread cake dairy-free and moist.
• Oat flour for wheat flour — Offers a whole-grain, gluten-free alternative with a hearty texture.
• Egg whites for whole eggs — Lowers cholesterol while maintaining structure in your banana bread cake.
• Reduced salt or salt substitute — Cuts sodium without compromising flavor in the final bake.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience
• Serve alongside coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack
• Top with cream cheese frosting to transform your Banana Bread Cake into a celebration dessert
• Add toasted walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor
• Enjoy with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast option
• Create elegant individual portions by baking in muffin tins for easy serving

For special occasions, dust your Banana Bread Cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. This versatile treat works beautifully for brunches, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade gift.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using underripe bananas. Fix: Use very ripe, spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter. Fix: Gently fold ingredients until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Mistake: Incorrectly measuring flour. Fix: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense cake.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong temperature. Fix: Preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for even baking.
• Mistake: Not greasing the pan properly. Fix: Grease and flour the pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door too early. Fix: Avoid opening the door until the last 10 minutes to prevent sinking.
• Mistake: Skipping the toothpick test. Fix: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Mistake: Adding ingredients out of order. Fix: Cream butter and sugar first for proper aeration and texture.
• Mistake: Using the wrong pan size. Fix: Use the pan size specified in the recipe for correct baking time and height.
• Mistake: Not letting it cool completely. Fix: Let the Banana Bread Cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Banana Bread Cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place slices in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until heated through to a food-safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious twist on a classic treat. If you love banana desserts, you might also enjoy our No Bake Banana Cream Pie Easy Recipe. We hope you try this recipe—let us know how it turns out in the comments and subscribe for more sweet ideas!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cake?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This ensures your Banana Bread Cake has the right texture and moisture.

How do I know when the Banana Bread Cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will also pull away slightly from the pan. Avoid overbaking to keep your Banana Bread Cake tender.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the Banana Bread Cake?

Absolutely. Fold in up to one cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This addition enhances the flavor and texture of your Banana Bread Cake without altering the baking time.