Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ideal dessert for any occasion. This cake is not just for birthdays; it’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat. With its moist texture and sweet banana flavor, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, it quickly becomes a family favorite. I still remember baking this with my kids, the kitchen filled with laughter and warmth, as they helped mash the bananas and lick the frosting spoon. This recipe truly captures moments that make sweet memories.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Banana Cake because it’s not only quick to whip up but also loaded with flavor. The combination of ripe bananas and creamy frosting makes it rich and satisfying while being easy enough for beginner bakers. Whether you need something special for the weekend or want to use up extra bananas, this cake ticks all the boxes.

“This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper,” says a happy home baker.

You can easily adjust this recipe for different diets or preferences, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Plus, the nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply unbeatable.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Making this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a simple and straightforward process. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. While the oven is warming up, you’ll combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and cream the butter and sugar in another. Once these are ready, add the eggs and vanilla to your butter mixture, then alternate adding in your dry ingredients and buttermilk. The pièce de résistance is folding in the mashed bananas at the end, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

The batter goes into the oven for a short bake, just until it’s perfectly golden. Meanwhile, prepare your frosting by blending the cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and a bit of vanilla extract for a smooth finish. After your cake has completely cooled, you simply frost it, giving it that beautiful, inviting finish.

Ingredients

What you’ll need:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter for frosting
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Feel free to substitute unsweetened applesauce for the butter for a lighter option, or use Greek yogurt in place of buttermilk.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan. In one bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk. Fold in mashed bananas last. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Once cooled, frost the cake evenly.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoy your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting as a delightful dessert after a family meal. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, consider serving it at a birthday party topped with colorful sprinkles. You can also slice it into small pieces for an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. This cake is sure to make any gathering feel special.

How to Store

To keep your leftover Banana Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last around 4 to 5 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing slices. Wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it out at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Tips to Make

When making this Banana Cake, use very ripe bananas for a sweeter flavor and moist texture. If you’re short on time, mash the bananas right in the peel, as it’s much less messy. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth frosting. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour. Gently stirring helps keep the cake fluffy and tender, which is key for that perfect bite.

Variations

Experimenting can lead to delightful twists on this Banana Cake recipe. You might add a layer of shredded coconut or chopped walnuts for added texture. If you prefer a tropical flavor, consider incorporating crushed pineapple into the batter. For a chocolatey touch, mix in cocoa powder and top with chocolate frosting instead of cream cheese. You can also explore adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the cake’s flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, thawed bananas work great in this recipe. Just ensure they’re fully mashed before adding them to the batter.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added to create a buttermilk substitute.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting too sweet, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Can I leave the frosting off?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, especially if you prefer a lighter dessert.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you’re inspired to try more quick and delicious recipes, check out our delightful Protein Muffins or venture into something fun with our Smash Cake Recipe.

For those who love a creative twist, don’t miss the Bento Cake options we offer!

Emily

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 3 pieces ripe bananas Use very ripe bananas for better flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter At room temperature.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup buttermilk Can substitute with regular milk plus vinegar or lemon juice.

For the frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese At room temperature.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter At room temperature.
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For frosting.

Notes

• Substitutions for dietary preferences include using unsweetened applesauce instead of butter, or Greek yogurt for buttermilk.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan.
2. In one bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture.
5. Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk.
6. Fold in mashed bananas last.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Frosting

1. For the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
3. Once the cake has completely cooled, frost it evenly with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to three months.