Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that complements the sweet banana flavor beautifully. This cake is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat to enjoy with your coffee.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Ingredients Overview

• Bananas: Overripe bananas give the cake its sweetness and soft texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Buttermilk: Enhances the cake’s tenderness.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy, rich frosting that perfectly balances the sweet cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Banana Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash 3–4 overripe bananas until smooth.
3. Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar gradually, mixing until fluffy.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
3. Slice and serve!

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• To make it extra special, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Freshly brewed coffee or tea
• A dollop of whipped cream on the side
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! The cake can be baked and frosted up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.

Can I make this into a layer cake?
Yes, divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3–4 overripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the pan.
2. Mash bananas and cream butter and sugar.
3. Mix in eggs and vanilla, then alternate dry ingredients with buttermilk.
4. Pour into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
5. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make the frosting.
6. Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
7. Serve and enjoy!

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a family favorite!

Banana Cake

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that complements the sweet banana flavor beautifully. This cake is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat to enjoy with your coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls 
• Electric mixer
• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

  

• For the Cake
• 3 –4 overripe bananas mashed
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• For the Frosting
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare the pan.
• Mash bananas and cream butter and sugar.
• Mix in eggs and vanilla, then alternate dry ingredients with buttermilk.
• Pour into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
• Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make the frosting.
• Spread frosting over the cooled cake.
• Serve and enjoy!
• This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a family favorite!