Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Joyful Steps

June 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting! I can’t even begin to describe how wonderfully moist and flavorful this cake is. It’s like a warm hug in cake form—perfectly sweet and just the right amount of rich. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the heavenly aroma of baked bananas, and honestly, it felt like a little piece of heaven. Trust me, if you love banana bread, you’re going to fall head over heels for this cake version!

The cream cheese frosting is the crowning jewel, adding a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, banana-filled cake. It’s so luscious that you might find yourself sneaking spoonfuls before it even makes it to the cake! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, this banana bread cake is always a hit. So, let’s get started on this delightful journey of baking something truly delicious!

Ingredients List

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

3 ripe bananas
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream

How to Prepare the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this banana bread cake! I promise, it’s a simple process that’ll fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to banana bliss!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want the oven nice and toasty for the cake to rise perfectly.
Next, grab those ripe bananas—trust me, the riper, the better! Mash them up in a bowl until they’re nice and smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher; it’s super satisfying!
Now, mix in the melted butter and granulated sugar. I like to stir it really well so everything gets combined—it helps create that moist texture we all love.
It’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract! Crack those eggs in and mix until everything is well combined. You want it all to be nice and homogenous.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt with the all-purpose flour. This step helps distribute the baking soda evenly, which is key for a fluffy cake!
Now, gradually add the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix; we want that cake to be tender and soft!
Pour the lovely batter into a greased cake pan. I usually use a 9×5-inch loaf pan, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s greased well!
Time to bake! Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the anticipation!
Once it’s baked, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is super important—trust me, you don’t want to frost a warm cake!
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up that cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add in the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until everything is combined and dreamy.
Finally, once your cake is completely cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting on top. Don’t be shy—go ahead and pile it on!

And just like that, you’ve created a beautiful banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting! It’s a labor of love that’s totally worth it, so dig in and enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig into this delightful banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, let’s chat about the nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice:

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g

So there you have it! Enjoy your cake with a little knowledge about what’s in it. It’s all about balance, and trust me, every slice is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This banana bread cake comes together in no time! With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Moist and Flavorful: The ripe bananas create a moist texture that’s incredibly satisfying, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich sweetness that takes it to the next level.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just an afternoon treat, this cake fits right in and is sure to impress your guests.
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon to make it your own!
Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone loves banana bread! This cake is no exception—it’s a guaranteed hit with friends and family alike.
Great for Leftovers: If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), you can enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack the next day. It’s just as tasty, if not more, after it sits a bit!

Trust me, once you try this banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, you’ll be singing its praises and sharing it with everyone you know!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow bakers, here are some of my top tips to ensure your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting turns out absolutely perfect!

Use Really Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even black skin. They’ll be sweeter and more flavorful, giving your cake that delicious banana goodness.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that! A few lumps are totally fine.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be tricky! Make sure yours is calibrated correctly. If you’re unsure, an oven thermometer is a great investment. You want that cake to bake evenly!
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This one’s crucial! If you frost while the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off—yikes! Let it cool completely on a wire rack for the best results.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For that rich and creamy frosting, I highly recommend using full-fat cream cheese. It makes a world of difference in taste and texture!
Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is a big if!), store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay deliciously moist for a few days—if it lasts that long!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a banana bread cake that’ll wow everyone. Happy baking, and enjoy every slice!

Variations

Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with the classic banana bread cake! There are so many delightful ways to mix things up and make this cake uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try:

Nutty Delight: Toss in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch. They add a wonderful texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the moist cake!
Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a chocoholic like me, try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. It creates little pockets of gooey goodness that will make your taste buds dance!
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist. It’s like bringing the flavors of fall into your kitchen any time of the year!
Fruit Fusion: Mix in some chopped fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity spin. The added moisture from the berries makes the cake even more delicious!
Peanut Butter Swirl: For a creamy twist, swirl in some peanut butter before baking. It pairs perfectly with the banana flavor and gives you that delightful sweet and salty combo!
Maple Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try drizzling a maple glaze on top. Just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a bit of milk for a sweet, sticky topping!

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this banana bread cake is that it’s super versatile, and you can personalize it to suit your taste. Each variation is a chance to discover a new favorite, so don’t be shy—experiment away and enjoy the delicious results!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked this gorgeous banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, you might be wondering how to store it properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Here’s what I recommend:

Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is a rarity in my house!), let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and fresh.
Refrigeration: Store your banana bread cake in the refrigerator if you’re not eating it right away. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as the flavors really shine when it’s a bit warmer!
Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze the cake! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Reheating Tips: If you prefer your cake warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the frosting might get a little melty! You can also warm it up in a toaster oven at a low setting for a few minutes—so good!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting, even days after baking! Enjoy, my friend!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen bananas for the banana bread cake?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and make sure to drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas can actually enhance the flavor and moisture of your cake, so don’t hesitate to use them if that’s what you have on hand!

How do I know when the banana bread cake is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, then it’s ready! If it’s still wet with batter, give it a little more time in the oven.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This banana bread cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to frost it right before serving for that fresh, creamy touch!

What should I do if my cream cheese frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is a bit too thick, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Just mix it in well, and you’ll have that perfect spreadable frosting in no time!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. It should work beautifully!

banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting - detail 1

For more delicious recipes, check out this banana bread pudding recipe or these banana bread muffins for a delightful twist on your favorite flavors!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.