If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort bake, look no further than this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Naturally sweet bananas turn this cake ultra-moist and tender, while a generous layer of tangy, silky frosting brings an irresistible finishing touch. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just in need of a sweet treat, this is a recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so incredible is its lineup of simple, everyday ingredients, each chosen for the role it plays in flavor, texture, and mouthwatering appeal. From the ripest bananas to creamy, dreamy frosting, every component matters and truly shines. Here’s what you’ll need:

All purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of your cake, contributing to the tender crumb.
Baking soda: Acts as the main leavener to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the cake’s flavors and balance sweetness.
Butter (softened): Adds incredible richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Sugar: For wonderful sweetness and that delicate golden crust.
Eggs: Essential for structure and giving the cake its irresistible rise.
Sour cream: Ensures a moist, tender crumb with a subtle tang that lifts every bite.
Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Bananas (mashed): The star of the show, bringing unmistakable flavor, sweetness, and moisture.
Cream cheese (room temperature): The secret behind a luxuriously smooth and tangy frosting.
Butter (for frosting, room temperature): Combines with cream cheese for irresistible creaminess.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a subtle aromatic boost to the frosting.
Powdered sugar: Whips into the frosting for the perfect sweet, smooth finish.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees. Just before you’re ready to pour in the batter, give two 8-inch cake pans a generous spray with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will come out easily and flawlessly every time!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light, fluffy, and oh-so-creamy. This introduces tiny air bubbles, setting you up for a delicate cake crumb that feels like a cloud.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract—these all combine to make your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting deliciously moist and deeply flavored.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in your flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat these in just until combined; don’t overmix, or you’ll start to lose that beautiful tender texture you’re after.

Step 5: Incorporate Mashed Bananas

Stir in the mashed bananas. You’ll notice the batter take on a lovely, creamy consistency and that signature banana aroma will start to fill your kitchen. This is the heart of the cake!

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Combine the room-temperature cream cheese and butter in a bowl and beat until smooth and combined. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting becomes silky and spreadable. It’s the crowning glory of your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once your cakes are completely cool, generously frost between the layers and all over the top and sides. This is your chance to get a little artistic—swirl, spread, and swoon!

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with some simple but eye-catching toppings. Try a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, a few extra slices of banana arranged in a fan, or even a dusting of cinnamon for a cozy, fragrant finish.

Side Dishes

This cake is undeniably the showstopper on any dessert table, but it’s also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of sweet seasonal berries. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk makes each bite even more decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, try creating individual Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting parfaits in mason jars—just layer cubes of cake with swirls of frosting for a portable treat. Or bake the batter in a sheet pan and cut into squares for a crowd-pleasing snack cake style that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, keep it covered in the fridge. The cake stays lovely and moist for up to four days, and the frosting only gets more flavorful as it sits!

Freezing

Want to make ahead? You can freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped, for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temperature, and then add your cream cheese frosting just before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheating

While this cake is wonderful cold, you can gently bring it to room temperature to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors. If you prefer it warmer, a very short burst (just 10-15 seconds) in the microwave will do the trick—just don’t let the frosting melt!

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will be. Those brown, spotty bananas are your best friends here.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour. The cake will still have that deliciously tender and moist texture everyone loves.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

A fork does the job well for mashing bananas, but if you want an ultra-smooth result, a potato masher or even a hand mixer makes things extra easy. Just don’t liquefy them—a little texture is perfect.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the frosting?

For the richest, creamiest finish, full-fat cream cheese is best. You can use low-fat if you must, but the frosting may be a bit softer and less luscious—still delicious, though!

Can I bake this cake as cupcakes?

Definitely! Just fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake for around 18-22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. The Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting makes adorable, portable cupcakes for parties or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the wonderful textures and flavors in this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—it truly is a little slice of happiness. If you love baking for friends and family, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this cake will be your new go-to. Give it a try and watch it disappear—smiles guaranteed!