How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is your new best friend. This moist, flavorful banana cake is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any occasion from birthdays to casual weekend gatherings. Follow along to discover how easy it is to bake this delightfully tender cake with a luscious creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and tender texture: Thanks to ripe bananas and oil, the cake stays super moist without being heavy.
• Rich cream cheese frosting: Adds a delicious tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the banana.
• Easy ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it accessible for any home baker.
• Versatile for occasions: Perfect for casual coffee breaks, celebrations, or as a wholesome snack.
• Quick prep time: Ready to bake in under 15 minutes with simple mixing steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe plays an important role in the flavor, texture, or appearance of the cake. You’ll find these straightforward ingredients easy to gather and use.

• Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture for a tender crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Balances the banana sweetness and enhances browning during baking.
• Butter or oil: Keeps the cake soft and rich.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add fullness to the batter.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the taste.
• Cream cheese: Main ingredient for the frosting, lending creaminess and a slight tang.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
• Lemon juice or zest (optional): Adds a fresh brightness to the frosting.

Variations for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to add your personal touch or accommodate dietary preferences. Here are some ways to customize your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Nutty addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Spiced twist: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Vegan swap: Use flax eggs and a plant-based cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate lovers upgrade: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter or swirl melted chocolate into the frosting.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas and Preheat Oven

Start by mashing 3 to 4 ripe bananas until smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line your baking pan to ensure the cake comes out easily.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat butter or oil with sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Your batter should be smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents lumps in the cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle but thorough.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting for the best texture.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, then stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice if using, to brighten the flavor.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. You can frost between layers if making a layered cake or simply cover the top for a classic single-layer treat.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use ripe bananas: The riper, the better for sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are soft for smooth mixing.
• Cool completely: Frosting melts if applied on warm cake, ruining the texture.
• Test for doneness: Use a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which dries out the cake.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Enhance the look and flavor by adding toasted chopped nuts, banana slices, or even a dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting. These simple touches make the cake irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your banana cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layer it between pancakes for a decadent brunch. You can also pipe the cream cheese frosting decoratively for an eye-catching finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover banana cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap the cake layers or whole frosted cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your banana cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole cake to preserve the frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work perfectly. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them to keep the batter from becoming too watery.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

It can be adapted easily for gluten-free or vegan diets by substituting the flour and eggs accordingly and using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

How long does Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting stay fresh?

Stored in the fridge, the cake remains fresh for up to 4 days with the frosting intact, making it great for make-ahead dessert plans.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely. Bake the cake a day ahead and refrigerate it unfrosted, then apply the frosting shortly before serving for the best results.

What texture should the cream cheese frosting have?

The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and spreadable but firm enough to hold its shape, achieved by using softened cream cheese and properly mixing it with powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s simple, delicious, and adaptable to pretty much any occasion or craving. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!

Related Posts

• How to Make No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream Fast
• Easy Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
• Why Oreo Cheesecake Is Your Next Must-Try Dessert

Print