A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
Craving the cozy comfort of banana bread, but want to dress it up for a special occasion? This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer. Moist, tender, and bursting with banana flavor, it’s topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting that elevates every bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering, potluck, or simply a sweet treat at home, this cake is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love It
- Moist and tender like banana bread, but with a cake’s structure
- Creamy, tangy frosting that adds richness and balance
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients
- Versatile enough for dessert, breakfast, or snack
- Perfect for sharing, especially with friends on social media
This cake fits right in with the warm, nostalgic recipes featured in our eBook 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple.
Ingredients
Yields 18 servings | 9×13-inch pan
For the Banana Bread Cake:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 very ripe medium bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced bananas (add before serving)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Caramel drizzle
- Cinnamon sprinkle
Equipment Checklist
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring tools
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Sifter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (2–3 min).
- Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix gently.
- Fold in mashed bananas until just combined.
2. Bake
- Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
- Bake 25–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a rack (1–2 hours).
3. Make the Frosting
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth (2 min).
- Mix in vanilla, then slowly add sifted powdered sugar.
- Add cream and beat until fluffy and spreadable (1 min).
4. Frost and Serve
- Spread frosting over cooled cake.
- Add toppings if desired.
- Slice into 18 squares and serve.
Serving Ideas
- With coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat
- As breakfast or brunch, paired with fruit or yogurt
- At parties, cut into mini bites for easy sharing
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
Make It Your Way
- Gluten-Free: Use a GF flour blend
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based alternatives for butter, sour cream, and cream cheese
- Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins
- Frosting Twist: Add cinnamon or peanut butter for extra flavor
- Mini Version: Use muffin tins (bake 18–22 minutes)
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Covered, up to 5 days
- Freeze (Unfrosted): Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months
- Make Ahead: Bake 1 day in advance, frost just before serving
Nutritional Info (Approx. per piece)
- Calories: 350–400
- Carbs: 50g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
Pro Tips
- Use super ripe bananas (brown and soft) for the best flavor
- Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing
- Don’t overmix—stop once ingredients are just combined
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting
Want More Cozy Desserts?
This recipe is featured in our eBook 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple, packed with comfort food classics like Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake and Peanut Butter Earthquake Cake.
Only $4.99 on Gumroad — grab your copy and bring more flavor to your kitchen!
