Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist, Fluffy & Irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Got overripe bananas on your counter? Don’t toss them — transform them into a moist, fluffy banana cake topped with the most luscious cream cheese frosting. This isn’t banana bread; it’s a full-on dessert experience that tastes like a bakery-style treat!

Whether you’re serving it for birthdays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this cake is always a winner. The combo of rich banana flavor and tangy-sweet frosting hits every note just right.

 Ingredients

For the Banana Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

 How to Make Banana Cake from Scratch

1. Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

  • Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Bake

  • Pour the batter into prepared pan(s) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

  • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and creamy.

  • Spread over the cooled cake with a spatula or knife.

 Tips & Variations

  • No buttermilk? Make your own by mixing 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup milk.

  • Want a layered cake? Double the frosting and use two round pans.

  • Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips for texture.

 Serving Suggestions

Serve your banana cake chilled or at room temperature, with:

  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate

  • Fresh banana slices

  • Toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top

 Storage

  • Fridge: Store frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

 FAQs About Banana Cake

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain off excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Why is my cake dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added — this keeps it light and fluffy.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cake a day in advance and frost just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This banana cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this recipe delivers every time — moist, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

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Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: kecha

Description

This banana cake with cream cheese frosting is ultra-moist, fluffy, and full of rich banana flavor. It’s a step up from banana bread, topped with a velvety smooth cream cheese frosting that adds the perfect tangy balance. Ideal for birthdays, brunches, or anytime you have ripe bananas begging to be used!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients

    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

  • Cream Butter & Sugar

    • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.

    • Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and mashed bananas.

  • Combine Wet & Dry

    • Add dry mixture and buttermilk to the banana mixture alternately, mixing gently.

  • Bake

    • Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 35–40 minutes.

    • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

  • Make Frosting

    • Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

    • Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy and fluffy.

  • Assemble & Serve

    • Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup milk.

  • Banana Tip: Overripe bananas work best — the browner the better.

  • Storage: Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unfrosted cake layers up to 2 months.

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