Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously moist cake that’s packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.

The combination of tender cake layers and rich, tangy cream cheese frosting makes this dessert a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a family gathering, or just craving something comforting, this banana cake is sure to hit the spot. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big flavor, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Spatula
Cooling rack
Handheld or stand mixer (for frosting)

Ingredients Overview

Cake: The cake itself is soft, moist, and filled with the delightful flavor of ripe bananas.
Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is velvety smooth, tangy, and sweet—perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cake.
Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Bananas and Sour Cream:
Stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then mix until fluffy.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. You can also pipe decorative swirls if you prefer.
Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea!

Recipe Tips

Bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum flavor and sweetness. Overripe bananas work best!
Make It Ahead: You can bake the cake a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just frost it the day you plan to serve it.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or more banana slices for a fresh contrast.
A cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days before frosting. Frost the cake just before serving.

Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Let it thaw before frosting and serving.

Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake at birthday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, ripe bananas, sour cream, vanilla extract, cream cheese, powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan.
Mix dry and wet ingredients for the cake.
Combine and bake.
Make the cream cheese frosting.
Frost the cooled cake.
Slice and serve!

This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of banana and the creamy texture of frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion!