There is something irresistibly cozy and indulgent about this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. Combining the moist, flavorful richness of classic banana bread with a luscious cream cheese frosting creates a dessert that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re baking for a casual family gathering or to treat yourself on a quiet afternoon, this cake brings together simple ingredients and a straightforward process to deliver maximum comfort and delight in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma for your Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: Provide natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the cake soft.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning during baking.
- 2 eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the natural banana aroma and flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s body and texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises nicely.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base for the frosting that adds tang and creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your banana bread cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped after baking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sugar together until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This mixture is the moist foundation for your cake.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. If you love a bit of texture, fold in the chopped walnuts here.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step creates that lovely golden crust and tender crumb.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Let your banana bread cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this makes spreading the cream cheese frosting easier and prevents it from melting.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well between additions to keep the frosting light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle, fragrant lift.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy this beautiful combination of moist cake and tangy sweetness that defines the Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting to add an extra touch of flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements this cake perfectly, balancing the richness of the frosting with a light, creamy contrast. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of berries can add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your banana bread cake slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a smear of honey on the plate for a café-style touch. For a fun twist at brunch, cut the cake into smaller squares and serve as bite-sized desserts with coffee or tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover banana bread cake with cream cheese frosting covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the banana bread cake without the frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh cream cheese frosting.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy a cozy, freshly-baked taste. Avoid reheating the frosted cake whole, as this may cause the frosting to melt undesirably.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar slightly to suit your taste, but keep in mind that sugar not only sweetens but also affects the cake’s texture and moisture.
What if I don’t have walnuts or prefer nut-free?
You can omit the walnuts without affecting the overall success of the cake. It will still be moist and delicious with all the other flavors shining through.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs and dairy, but you could experiment with flax eggs and vegan butter or cream cheese alternatives. The texture and taste will differ but can still be very tasty!
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they are sweeter and blend easier for maximum flavor in your cake.
Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Yes! This batter works well for cupcakes too. Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes and watch for the toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that feels so rewarding. It’s a cake with soul, blending the best of banana bread’s comfort with the creamy decadence of frosting. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, every bite feels like a warm hug!
Print
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day. Made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and optional crunchy walnuts, it’s topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious finish to every bite. Easy to prepare and bake, this classic recipe combines the best of banana bread with a delightful cake texture.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir until just combined without overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the banana bread cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
- Chopped walnuts add nice crunch but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth in the batter.
