If there’s one dessert I could make on repeat and never get bored, it’s this Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine the classic, cozy flavors of banana bread transformed into a luscious, tender cake topped with a rich and pillowy cream cheese frosting — it’s pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a family gathering or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this cake always steals the spotlight and disappears in no time!

Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake comes from a handful of humble ingredients working together to create something truly irresistible. Each one adds its own charm, from deep flavor and moisture to dreamy, creamy frosting. Here’s what you need for the Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Butter: Brings rich flavor and a tender crumb to both the cake and the frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden, delicate texture.
Eggs: Bind everything beautifully and add irresistible softness.
Sour cream (full-fat is best): Adds tons of moisture, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor, giving the cake and frosting that warm, signature aroma.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cake delightfully light.
Baking soda: Works its rising magic, giving the cake height and a soft crumb.
Salt: Just enough to balance and enhance all the sweet flavors.
Mashed bananas (about 3 bananas): Bananas are the star! Their natural sweetness and moisture set this cake apart.
Cream cheese (full-fat, 8 oz bar): For the creamiest, dreamiest frosting you can imagine.
Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting perfectly smooth and beautifully spreadable.
Heavy whipping cream: Gives the frosting a luscious, light texture — don’t substitute if you want that perfect fluff.
Cooking spray: Keeps the cake from sticking, making for easy serving every time.

How to Make Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you dive into cake batter heaven, get your oven heating to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 baking dish, give it a slick of cooking spray, and set it aside. This step is your insurance for easy, clean slices of cake later!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Be patient and let it get really light and fluffy—about two to three minutes. The mixture may look crumbled at first, but keep going. This is the key to that irresistible, cake-shop texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Time to introduce eggs, sour cream, and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend everything until your batter is smooth and creamy. The sour cream is your secret weapon for a pillowy-soft crumb, while eggs and vanilla round out the cake’s warmth.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low, gently blend in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix — just enough so you don’t see streaks of dry flour. This keeps your Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting light and tender.

Step 5: Stir in Mashed Bananas

Gently fold the mashed bananas into your batter with a spatula until just blended. You’ll see golden flecks of banana throughout, promising all that big, old-fashioned flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25–35 minutes. Begin checking at the 25-minute mark. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs or clean. If it’s still got wet batter, give it a bit more time.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Patience, my friend! Let your cake cool completely. You can either frost it as soon as it’s cool, or cover it with foil and let it sit overnight if you want to plan ahead — the flavors only get better!

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a fresh bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until utterly smooth. Add vanilla extract, then gradually beat in powdered sugar, followed by the heavy whipping cream. Start mixing on low speed, then increase as it comes together. Your frosting should be luxuriously thick and creamy — perfect for topping every inch of the cake.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. For a final flourish, cut into squares and top each piece with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. The presentation makes your Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting impossible to resist!

How to Serve Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A beautiful cake deserves a lovely finish! Arrange a few banana slices on top of each square, then sprinkle chopped walnuts for a toasty, satisfying crunch. You could also dust a little cinnamon or even a drizzle of honey for extra flair — make it feel as special as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Because the Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is so rich, simple sides work best. Serve with hot coffee or tea for a classic pairing, or balance out the sweetness with fresh berries on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns each slice into a dreamy dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the cake in mini squares or cupcake liners for an easy, grab-and-go treat. You can layer slices in mason jars with dollops of extra frosting for a rustic trifle. Or, stack two small layers for a festive tiered centerpiece. However you present it, this stunning cake steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any uneaten cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the moist crumb and sturdy frosting, Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting stays delicious for up to four days. Just be sure it’s well-covered to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream! Wrap individual pieces or the whole cake (unfrosted or frosted) tightly with plastic wrap, then with foil. Stash them in a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy a slice of happiness for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. If you’ve frozen the cake, let it thaw gently in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before serving. The cream cheese frosting softens beautifully and the cake stays incredibly moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen bananas first, then mash and use them as you would fresh. Frozen bananas often make the cake even moister and more flavorful.

What’s the secret to thick, creamy frosting?

Softened, full-fat cream cheese and butter are musts, and beat until completely smooth before adding powdered sugar. Also, use heavy whipping cream as called for — it creates that rich, pipeable texture you want for Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes?

Definitely! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes. You’ll get perfectly portioned treats with all the flavor of the original cake — and plenty of room for that tangy frosting.

Is it okay to frost the cake while warm?

Try to resist! If you frost while the cake is still warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide. Waiting until the cake is fully cooled ensures gorgeous, thick frosting every time.

Are there any nut-free options?

Certainly! Omit the chopped walnuts or swap in chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or fresh berries as a topping. The Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is just as delicious without nuts.

Final Thoughts

This cake always brings a smile to my face and to the faces of everyone lucky enough to get a slice. If you’re searching for a memorable treat that wraps comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of indulgence into one gorgeous dessert, give the Amazing Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting a go. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it — happy baking!