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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect combination of soft, moist banana bread and a light, fluffy cake. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, this cake is packed with flavor and topped with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or extra spices. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

If you love banana bread, you’ll enjoy this lighter, cake-like version that’s just as comforting and delicious. Looking for more banana dessert ideas? Check out these homemade banana treats for inspiration (explore more).

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Banana slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
  4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mixing until smooth.
  5. Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  10. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and well combined.
  11. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with chopped walnuts or banana slices if desired.
  12. Slice and serve!

Notes

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Bananas with dark brown spots work best.
  • Do not overmix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • For a healthier option, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and use honey or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
  • The cake must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
    • Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months and add frosting before serving.

For more tips on making the best banana cakes, check out these expert baking tips (discover more). Enjoy your delicious homemade banana bread cake! 🍌