As the aroma of baking bananas wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. There’s something magical about a homemade Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting that transcends generations. This recipe brings together the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas and the creamy, tangy delight of cream cheese frosting in a simple yet extraordinary way. It’s a perfect choice for those cozy weekends or special occasions when you want to treat yourself and loved ones. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—easily tailored to be gluten-free or even dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice. Ready to dive into a slice of this deliciousness? I promise this cake will leave you craving more!
Why is This Banana Cake Irresistible?
Moist and Flavorful: The richness of ripe bananas creates a cake that’s tender and bursting with natural sweetness.
Creamy Frosting Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, decadent finish, perfectly balancing the banana’s sweetness.
Versatile Options: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge.
Simplicity at Its Core: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers will shine, making it a stress-free baking experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, this cake is bound to impress your friends and family—try serving it with a scoop of ice cream for an added treat! For more cake ideas, check out my Apple Crumb Cake for another delightful bake!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light cake.
- Salt – Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moistness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and aids in browning.
- Large Eggs – Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste.
- Milk – Contributes to the cake’s moisture; alternative options can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Ripe Bananas, Mashed – The star ingredient, giving sweetness and moisture to the cake.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Creamy and tangy, it provides a rich icing texture that complements the cake beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
For Garnish
- Sliced Bananas – Optional; adds visual appeal and a touch of extra flavor on top of the cake.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach temperature while you prepare the cake batter. Grease three 6-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray and lightly dust them with flour, ensuring the sides and bottoms are coated to allow the cakes to release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly incorporated. This step is crucial, as it ensures the leavening agent is distributed throughout the flour, promoting an even rise. Set this bowl aside while you focus on preparing the wet ingredients for your moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This critical step introduces air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s tender texture. Once achieved, it’s time to bring in the eggs and vanilla for added richness.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the large eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The batter should now be creamy and smooth, infusing your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with undeniable flavor.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two. Start with the flour, then add some milk, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. This step ensures your cake has the right moisture level and texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas
Gently fold the mashed ripe bananas into the batter until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture. The bananas are the star ingredient that will create a moist crumb. After this step, your batter will have a beautiful banana flavor, making your cake irresistibly moist.
Step 7: Divide and Bake
Pour the batter equally among the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to smooth the tops. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes; they should have a slight golden hue when they are ready to come out.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Once the cakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After this, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling process is essential for your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, ensuring it can be frosted without melting the cream cheese.
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. The perfect frosting will complement the moist banana cake beautifully, providing a rich and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Step 10: Frost the Cake
Once the cake layers have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, and place the third layer on top. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake, making it look as delightful as it tastes, ready to be garnished with sliced bananas if desired.
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance by baking them and allowing them to cool completely. Before wrapping them in plastic wrap and refrigerating, make sure they are at room temperature to maintain moisture. The cream cheese frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the chilled cake layers, allowing them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious and impressive dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulging in a slice of moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can transform any ordinary day into a delightful celebration. Here are some wonderful pairings to enhance your dessert experience.
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Warm Coffee: The rich, deep flavor of coffee complements the sweet, creamy notes of the cake, making each bite even more blissful. Picture enjoying this with a cozy mug as the cake’s warmth fills the air.
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Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful cold contrast to the cake’s warmth, elevating the dessert to an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.
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Fresh Berries: Bright and tangy berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, provide a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color to your dessert plate.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A rich chocolate drizzle draped over your cake will bring a decadent twist, perfectly harmonizing the flavors of banana and cream cheese.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices from a chai latte can enhance the cake’s flavors, creating a cozy and comforting pairing that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy coconut whipped cream adds a tropical touch, balancing the richness of the cream cheese frosting while still allowing the banana flavor to shine through.
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Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea can refresh the palate after enjoying the cake, making it a wonderful option for those who prefer lighter, herbal beverages.
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Sliced Bananas: For those who can’t get enough banana, adding fresh banana slices on the side creates a delightful textural contrast and ties the entire dessert together.
Each of these pairings will beautifully accompany your moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, ensuring a fully enjoyable culinary experience!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Invite your creativity into the kitchen as you explore delightful ways to customize this classic banana cake!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a deliciously accommodating treat for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese for frosting to make a completely dairy-free dessert that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty goodness that pairs perfectly with the moist bananas.
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Chocolate Twist: Fold in chocolate chips for an indulgent twist, or top the cake with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a decadent finish.
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Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that complements the sweet bananas beautifully—perfect for cozy gatherings!
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Fruity Layering: Layer in fresh berries between the cake layers for a pop of color and a fruity burst that adds freshness to every bite.
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Syrupy Drizzle: Consider drizzling a caramel or butterscotch sauce over the top of your frosted cake for an added touch of sweetness and decadence.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience that delights the taste buds!
For even more delicious ideas, don’t miss out on my scrumptious Chocolate Zucchini Cream, or try making fluffy Soft Pumpkin Frosting to view how versatile your desserts can be!
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
Creaming Technique: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creaming; this creates a light and fluffy batter crucial for a moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; blackened bananas work wonders for flavor!
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the bananas, mix gently to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can lead to a rubbery cake.
Oven Check: Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean to ensure your cake is perfectly baked, not dry.
Cooling Time: Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting; this preserves the integrity of the cream cheese frosting and the cake’s moisture.
How to Store and Freeze Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fridge: Store this delicious Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The frosting will soften beautifully, enhancing your cake experience.
Garnish Storage: If using sliced bananas for garnish, store them separately in the fridge to prevent browning, adding them just before serving.
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How should I choose ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for bananas that are very ripe, ideally with dark spots or even fully blackened skins. These bananas are sweeter and will add more moisture to your Banana Cake, making it extra delicious! If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature.
What is the best way to store leftover Banana Cake?
You can store your delightful Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its moisture, let it come to room temperature before serving. If you’re serving at a later date, ensure it’s wrapped well to keep that beautiful texture intact!
Can I freeze this Banana Cake? How do I do it?
Very much! To freeze your Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, follow these steps:
- Allow the cake to cool completely after baking.
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped layers in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label with the date.
This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and it’ll be just as delicious as day one.
What if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
No worries, it happens to the best of us! If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time while mixing until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until it’s spreadable. Remember, beating the frosting too long can make it too soft, so keep an eye on the consistency.
Can this cake be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting. You can also swap out the milk with almond or coconut milk, keeping that delightful texture and flavor intact without compromising dietary needs!
Irresistibly Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 6-inch round cake pans and dust them with flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the large eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, alternating between the two.
- Fold the mashed ripe bananas into the batter until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter equally among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Once cooled, layer the cake with cream cheese frosting, garnishing with sliced bananas if desired.
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