Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and simply irresistible, this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender banana cake with the perfect balance of sweetness, enriched by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe combines everyday ingredients into a cake that feels special yet is incredibly approachable, perfect for family gatherings, afternoon treats, or just because. I promise, once you try this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to banana cake that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you’ll use simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in developing flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden hue. Each component works harmoniously to make the cake tender, moist, and decadently frosting-ready.

• Butter (softened, 1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy batter.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps with proper browning.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings depth with its molasses notes and keeps the cake moist.
• Vegetable or light olive oil (1/4 cup): Ensures extra moistness without overpowering flavor.
• Ripe bananas (1 & 1/2 cups mashed, about 3): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs (3 large): Bind ingredients and give structure to your cake.
• Buttermilk (3/4 cup): Adds a slight tang and tender crumb through acidity.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all flavors, especially the banana.
• Maple extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds warm, complex notes that compliment bananas beautifully.
• All-purpose flour (2 & 1/2 cups): The foundation for a perfect cake structure.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with acidic ingredients to help the cake rise.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Additional leavening to create a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights flavors.
• Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle warmth that pairs well with banana.
• Nutmeg and cloves (1/8 teaspoon each, optional): Provide delicate spicy accents without overpowering.
• Butter for frosting (1/2 cup softened): Provides creaminess and body to the frosting.
• Cream cheese (1 and 1/2 packages, softened): The star of the frosting with its tang and velvety texture.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups total): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to luscious perfection.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare an 11×17-inch jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or generously spraying it with nonstick spray. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly clean after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened 1/2 cup butter until it becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps. Take your time here, scraping down the sides as needed to get a consistent texture. This creamy base is key to the cake’s tenderness.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter. Beat them together for about one minute, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom so everything combines evenly. This blend of sugars contributes sweetness and moisture while giving your cake a slight chew.

Step 4: Incorporate the Oil

Pour in the vegetable or light olive oil and mix it thoroughly into your creamed butter and sugars. This step keeps the cake moist and tender without making it heavy.

Step 5: Add the Mashed Bananas

Use a fork to smash three ripe bananas until smooth, then add them to your butter mixture. Bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, making every bite flavorful and soft.

Step 6: Mix in Eggs, Dairy & Flavorings

Add the eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla, and optional maple extract to the batter. Beat it all together until smooth and creamy. The sour cream and buttermilk create a tender crumb, while the vanilla and maple add aromatic warmth.

Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients

Spoon and level the flour into your mixture—not packed—to keep the cake light. Add baking soda, baking powder, salt, and optional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves right on top of the flour. Stir the dry ingredients lightly with a teaspoon to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet

Beat the flour mixture into the wet batter carefully, scraping the sides and bottom. Mix just until everything is combined and there are no streaks. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, so keep it gentle!

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with no wet batter, and the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan. Avoid overbaking to keep the texture moist.

Step 10: Cool Completely

Once out of the oven, place your cake on a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting a warm cake could cause the frosting to melt and slide off, so patience here ensures perfect results.

Step 11: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add two cups of powdered sugar and beat well, then vanilla and kosher salt, followed by the remaining powdered sugar. This frosting is perfectly sweet and tangy, ideal for pairing with the banana cake.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, right to the edges. Slice into generous squares and enjoy immediately, or store for later indulgence.

How to Serve Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top of your cream cheese frosting. A light dusting of cinnamon or even thin banana slices can add some visual appeal and texture contrast, making your cake even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For brunch, serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to highlight the banana’s subtle sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your banana cake into small squares and serve on individual dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or honey for added sweetness. For parties, try creating mini banana cake sandwiches by slicing the cake into thinner layers and sandwiching frosting between them—it’s sure to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or store in the fridge for up to a week. The cream cheese frosting stays firm and the cake actually tastes delightful when chilled, offering a different but equally delicious texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cake and frosting separately or together once frosted. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture preservation before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat single slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole cake with frosting to prevent melting. If serving chilled, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with 3/4 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk, which helps tenderize the cake and react with the baking soda for rise.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or an equal amount of crème fraîche. Both options maintain moisture and richness in the cake while keeping it tender.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very soft with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas not only sweeten the cake naturally but also help keep it moist.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure. The cake will be just as delicious.

Is it possible to make the frosting dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese and vegan margarine. The texture might be slightly different but still wonderfully tasty.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so comforting about this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. It’s approachable enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or a casual gathering, the moist banana cake paired with creamy, tangy frosting is bound to bring smiles all around. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat as much as I do. Happy baking!

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