Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of ripe bananas and sour cream. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and creamy finish that elevates the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s simple to make but tastes like it came from a bakery. The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes this cake a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
Add the melted butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas, stirring until well combined.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To make the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Frost the cooled cake with the cream cheese frosting and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Chocolate chips: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for additional warmth and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the banana bread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, let the cake come to room temperature before serving. If you’d like, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

FAQs

Can I make this banana bread cake without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with plain yogurt for a similar texture and tang.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can use a buttercream frosting or whipped cream as an alternative to the cream cheese frosting.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Simply store it in an airtight container and frost it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Be sure not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Can I make mini banana bread cakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin or mini loaf pans, but reduce the baking time to around 18-20 minutes for muffins or mini cakes.

Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes, you can freeze the cream cheese frosting for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use white sugar, but the brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor.

How long should I let the cake cool before frosting?

Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Can I add bananas to the frosting?

Yes, you can mash a small banana and fold it into the frosting for a banana-flavored cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect dessert that combines the beloved flavors of banana bread with the indulgence of a rich frosting. Its moist texture and sweet, tangy finish make it a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to something special, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a decadent twist on classic banana bread. The moist cake is packed with ripe banana flavor and topped with a tangy, creamy frosting that elevates the entire dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it’s simple to make and sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweetness and richness!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth.
Add melted butter and brown sugar, mixing until combined.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cake completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Frost the cooled cake and serve.

Notes

Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture, or stir in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Storage: Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American