There’s something deeply nostalgic about Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. For me, it brings back cozy Saturday mornings—kids still in pajamas, the house filled with the sweet, familiar scent of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon. This recipe came to life when I had just one too many bananas on the counter and a craving for something a little extra. Unlike your average banana bread, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is tender, fluffy, and topped with a tangy-sweet layer that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s one of those desserts that makes the everyday feel a little more special. We never have leftovers
Why You’ll Love This :
If you love banana bread, you’ll fall head over heels for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It takes everything you adore about the classic—moist texture, rich banana flavor—and elevates it into a soft, tender cake with just the right sweetness. The real star? That thick, tangy cream cheese frosting that spreads like a dream and balances the sweetness of the banana perfectly. Whether it’s a family celebration, a school bake sale, or just a Tuesday treat, this cake delivers comfort with a touch of indulgence.
It’s also incredibly easy to make. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps—just simple ingredients and a single mixing bowl. It’s forgiving too; the riper the bananas, the better. Plus, this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a real crowd-pleaser. Kids love the flavor, adults swoon over the frosting, and everyone asks for the recipe.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

For the Cake:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Substitutions & Variations :
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and protein boost. Want a deeper flavor? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. No brown sugar? Use all white sugar, or try coconut sugar for a natural twist. For a nutty finish, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans. And if you’re dairy-free, use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese. This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is flexible—make it your own while keeping the comfort intact.
Step-by-Step Instructions :

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is cool, generously spread the frosting over the top. Slice and serve!
Pro Tips for Success with Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use bananas with lots of brown spots—they bring out the richest flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding gives you a tender crumb.
- For a fluffier frosting, sift your powdered sugar before mixing.
- Let the cake cool fully before frosting or it’ll melt into a gooey mess.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
Store this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen over time! To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. You can also freeze individual slices (unfrosted or frosted) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For brunch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. A cup of hot coffee or a chai latte balances the sweet, tangy notes of the cream cheese frosting. If you’re serving it as a dessert, drizzle a little warm caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle toasted pecans for added crunch. It’s versatile enough for casual gatherings or elegant celebrations.
FAQs about Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Store it covered at room temperature, then frost before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut back by 1/4 cup of sugar without sacrificing taste, especially if your bananas are extra ripe.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes! This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting makes great cupcakes. Just reduce baking time to about 18–20 minutes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 240mg |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is soft, moist, and loaded with ripe banana flavor. Topped with a creamy, tangy frosting, it’s a dessert you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
—
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment.
2. Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add eggs, melted butter, both sugars, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Fold dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
5. Pour into pan and bake 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
6. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
7. Frost the cooled cake evenly.
8. Slice and serve.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter for a tender crumb.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days.
Great for freezing—just wrap slices individually.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg