Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🍰✨

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of classic banana bread but crave the indulgence of a soft, moist cake topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting—this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is about to become your new favorite dessert. It’s everything you adore about banana bread but elevated with a tender crumb, a hint of caramel sweetness from brown sugar, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s the perfect finishing touch.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or as a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee, this cake is pure perfection. Let’s get baking! 🍌🎂

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cake

Ultra Moist & Tender: Thanks to ripe bananas, sour cream, and melted butter.
Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: Perfectly sweet with a tangy balance that complements the banana flavor.
Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep—no mixer required for the batter!
Versatile: Serve as a casual snack cake or dress it up for special occasions.

What Does It Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine the rich, sweet flavor of banana bread with an irresistibly soft and tender cake-like texture. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth. The creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the sweetness, making each bite heavenly. It’s like banana bread and cake had a delicious baby—moist, fluffy, and completely addictive!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

2 ripe bananas, mashed 🍌 (the riper, the better for maximum flavor)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈 (adds richness and keeps the cake moist)
3/4 cup brown sugar 🍯 (for a deep, caramel-like sweetness)
2 large eggs 🥚 (adds structure and richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼 (for warmth and flavor)
1/2 cup sour cream 🥛 (makes the cake super tender and moist)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾 (for structure)
1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄 (for rise and fluffiness)
1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂 (balances the sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened 🧀
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
2 cups powdered sugar 🍬
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
Pinch of salt 🧂

Optional Toppings:

Chopped walnuts or pecans 🥜
Sliced bananas 🍌
A sprinkle of cinnamon ✨

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
9×9-inch square baking pan or 9-inch round cake pan
Parchment paper (for easy removal)
Electric mixer (for the frosting)

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Whisk until well combined.
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh banana slices for an extra touch. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cake

Use Overripe Bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the bananas.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: This keeps the cake light and tender.
Cool Before Frosting: If the cake is warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
Add-Ins: Want extra texture? Fold in chocolate chips, coconut, or chopped nuts into the batter.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Cake

Coffee or Tea: Perfect with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai.
Fresh Berries: Adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the creamy frosting.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert pairing.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy for a less sweet topping option.

How to Store & Freeze

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be baked a day in advance. Just frost it the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste.

2. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream.

3. What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with white sugar, but the flavor will be slightly less rich. Add a tablespoon of molasses if you have it to mimic brown sugar.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Wrapping It Up 🍰✨

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect balance of moist, tender cake and rich, tangy frosting. It’s easy to make, bursting with banana flavor, and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! 😍🍌

Craving More Delicious Desserts?

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 🥕
Cinnamon Banana Coffee Cake 🍌☕
Moist Pumpkin Spice Loaf with Maple Glaze 🎃

Happy baking, and enjoy every fluffy, frosted bite! 😊🎂✨