The Best Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you love classic banana bread, you'll absolutely fall in love with this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It combines the rich banana flavor and moist texture of homemade banana bread with the elegance of a soft layer cake finished with silky cream cheese frosting.
Made with ripe bananas, pantry staples, and a luscious homemade frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, afternoon coffee, or simply using up overripe bananas in the most delicious way possible.
One bite of this tender banana cake and you'll understand why it's always the first dessert to disappear.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Super moist and fluffy texture
Rich banana flavor in every bite
Smooth homemade cream cheese frosting
Great way to use ripe bananas
Easy enough for beginner bakers
Perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts
Stays moist for days
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Banana slices
Caramel drizzle
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
How to Make Banana Bread Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
This usually takes about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Fold in the mashed bananas until well combined.
Step 5: Finish the Batter
Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix only until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Continue beating until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer onto a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
Add the second cake layer.
Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Decorate with chopped pecans, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cake
Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
Bring butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
Don't overmix the batter once the flour is added.
Chill the cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Toast the nuts before using for extra flavor.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Cake
Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Nutty Banana Cake
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Caramel Banana Cake
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosting before serving.
Banana Cupcakes
Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Sheet Cake Version
Bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan for approximately 35–40 minutes.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cake
This cake pairs perfectly with:
Fresh coffee
Hot tea
Vanilla ice cream
Salted caramel sauce
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Chocolate drizzle
Perfect for:
Birthdays
Brunch
Baby showers
Thanksgiving
Easter
Holiday gatherings
Weekend baking
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for 4–5 days because of the cream cheese frosting.
Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How ripe should bananas be?
The darker and spottier, the better. Overripe bananas provide the sweetest flavor and the softest texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely.
Bake the cake layers one day ahead and frost before serving.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk works well as a substitute.
Why is my banana cake dense?
Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can create a dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines everything people love about homemade banana bread with the elegance of a beautiful layer cake. Moist, fluffy, and packed with fresh banana flavor, it's topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances every bite.
Whether you're baking for a birthday, family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply using up ripe bananas, this easy homemade cake is guaranteed to become a favorite recipe you'll make again and again.
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