Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 overripe bananas, mashed; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

I’ve always had a soft spot for ripe bananas sitting on the counter, begging not to be wasted. One day, instead of the usual banana bread, I went bold and baked a banana cake topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. It was a game-changer. The cake turned out incredibly moist, with that natural sweetness only ripe bananas can deliver, and the tangy cream cheese frosting was the perfect crown.

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want to impress without stressing. It’s warm, nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to put together. Whether for a casual Sunday treat or a special occasion, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re a fan of banana bread, this takes that love to the next level.

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

It’s moist, fluffy, and rich without being heavy. The ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and softness to the crumb, while the cream cheese frosting balances everything out with its tangy, smooth finish. Plus, it’s simple to make with pantry staples and doesn’t require fancy techniques. Whether served chilled or at room temp, this cake only gets better over time.

What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

The key to getting the best banana flavor is using overripe bananas — the ones with plenty of brown spots. They’re sweeter, softer, and mash up easily into the batter. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or popping them (unpeeled) into the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes until the skins darken.

Options for Substitutions

You can play around with a few ingredients without compromising the flavor or texture:

Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter cake.
Use a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter to make the frosting suitable for those avoiding dairy.
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Add walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra depth.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar slightly and let the bananas shine more.

Ingredients for this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Overripe Bananas – These provide natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – A standard base that gives the cake structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar – For balanced sweetness in the cake.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses richness.
Eggs – Help bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
Butter – Adds flavor and richness to the cake; use unsalted to control the salt level.
Sour Cream – Makes the cake extra moist and slightly tangy.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents to help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, aromatic flavor to both the cake and the frosting.
Cream Cheese – The heart of the frosting; tangy and creamy.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Heavy Cream or Milk – Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Peel and mash the bananas until smooth and set aside. Let your butter, eggs, and cream cheese come to room temperature so they mix more evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and giving the cake a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.

Step 4: Mix in Mashed Bananas and Sour Cream

Add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the bowl and mix until well combined. The batter will look a bit thick and textured—that’s perfectly normal.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then a splash of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency. Mix in a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the cooled banana cake. You can top with banana slices, crushed nuts, or enjoy it plain—either way, it’s delicious.

How Long to Prepare the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: You’ll need about 20 minutes to get everything ready—mashing bananas, creaming butter and sugar, and mixing the batter. Having ingredients at room temperature speeds things up and ensures smooth blending.

Baking Time: The cake bakes for around 30 to 35 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting. Rushing this step could melt the frosting.

Tips for Perfect Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Always use very ripe bananas—black-spotted ones are best.
Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients. It can toughen the cake.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid a runny mess.
For extra flavor, toast your nuts before adding them to the batter or as a topping.
Chill the frosting slightly before spreading if it’s too soft.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using underripe bananas: They won’t deliver enough sweetness or softness.
Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to a lumpy batter.
Overbaking: It’ll dry out the cake. Check with a toothpick by the 30-minute mark.
Overloading with frosting: It’s rich—don’t go too thick unless you love it that way.
Frosting a warm cake: The frosting will melt and slide right off.

What to Serve With Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?

1. Hot Coffee or Cold Brew

The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

2. Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries offer a bright, tangy contrast to the rich cake.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla pairs perfectly, especially when the cake is slightly warm.

4. Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle a bit over each slice for an indulgent upgrade.

5. Light Herbal Tea

Chamomile or mint tea helps balance the richness of the frosting.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: If your kitchen is cool, the frosted cake can sit out for up to 2 days, covered well.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezer: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 360
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should the bananas be?

The more brown spots, the better. You want them soft and sweet.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?

Absolutely. Adjust the baking time to about 18–20 minutes for cupcakes.

Can I skip the frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese frosting is what makes this cake next-level delicious.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake, and make sure to use sour cream or Greek yogurt for added moisture.

Conclusion

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything a comforting dessert should be—easy, indulgent, and full of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because, this cake delivers every time. The combination of moist banana crumb and rich, tangy frosting is pure gold. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.