Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist, Easy & Irresistible

Looking for a dessert that hits all the right notes—moist, rich, and easy to make? This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect way to use those overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Unlike traditional banana bread, this recipe transforms familiar ingredients into a soft, cake-like texture topped with a thick, fluffy cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a cozy treat, this banana bread cake is a guaranteed hit.

It only takes one bowl to whip up, and the results? Pure magic. Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins if you’re into moist, spiced treats topped with creamy layers.

Let’s break down why this dessert deserves a spot in your regular baking rotation.

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Why This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a Must-Try

Perfect way to use overripe bananas

Got bananas turning brown on the counter? Good. That’s exactly what you need. This banana bread cake is the ultimate “save-the-bananas” recipe. The overripe fruit doesn’t just disappear into the mix—it brings an incredibly moist texture and full banana flavor that sets this cake apart from any quick bread or muffin.

The result is a cake that’s tender, slightly dense, and full of natural sweetness. No artificial banana flavor here—just real ingredients doing their thing.

Rich banana flavor paired with creamy frosting

Let’s be honest, banana bread is great, but pair it with a luscious cream cheese frosting, and it becomes next-level. The creamy tang of the frosting cuts through the natural sweetness of the cake, creating a balanced bite that keeps you coming back for more.

The real secret to that fluffy, rich topping? Full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. It’s what makes the frosting thick yet airy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Trust us—skip the low-fat stuff here.

Discover great ideas like this Peanut Butter Trifle Recipe if you’re after more indulgent dessert layers.

Crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion

Banana bread cake isn’t just for brunch or casual family dinners. Its beautiful golden color, light texture, and decadent frosting make it elegant enough for potlucks, birthdays, or even holiday tables. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, cut it into squares, and garnish with banana slices or chopped walnuts.

This is a dessert that pleases all ages. Kids love the banana flavor, adults adore the cream cheese frosting, and bakers love how easy it is to pull together.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Christmas Cookie Bars for another crowd-winning dessert.

Key Ingredients for Banana Bread Cake Success

Creating the perfect Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting starts with the right ingredients. Each one plays a role in delivering that moist texture, rich flavor, and dreamy frosting. Here’s a closer look at what makes this banana cake recipe work every time.

The magic of ripe bananas and sour cream

Bananas are the star—specifically, overripe bananas. When bananas turn soft and spotty, their sugars develop and intensify. This adds natural sweetness and makes the cake tender without needing excessive sugar. Use 3 to 4 browned bananas for the best results.

What elevates this recipe beyond a regular banana bread is sour cream. It adds moisture, richness, and that signature soft crumb. The key? Always use full-fat sour cream. Lighter versions can thin the batter and reduce flavor, leaving your cake less satisfying.

Don’t miss our Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins if you enjoy baked goods with a rich, moist interior.

Cream cheese frosting: Why full-fat is best

The frosting isn’t just a topping—it’s the finishing touch that turns this banana cake into something special. It’s made with simple ingredients: butter, cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream. But there’s a trick to getting that thick, fluffy texture you crave: use full-fat cream cheese and real heavy cream.

Avoid low-fat cream cheese or milk substitutes. They create a runny consistency and won’t hold up well on a room-temperature cake. The richness from full-fat ingredients gives the frosting structure and flavor that’s worth every bite.

Start slow when mixing and add more powdered sugar only if needed. The goal is a thick, spreadable frosting that won’t ooze off the cake when cut.

Check out our Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread for another full-fat frosting delight.

Optional toppings: walnuts & fresh banana slices

Want to dress up your banana bread cake? Try a few easy garnishes:

• Sliced fresh bananas – Add them just before serving so they don’t brown.
• Chopped walnuts – Bring a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.
• Cinnamon sprinkle – Adds warmth and depth, especially if you like a spiced flavor.

While optional, these toppings elevate presentation and texture. They make this dessert party-ready with minimal effort.

Looking for more tasty toppings and add-ins? Don’t miss our Apple Crisp Dessert Recipe packed with warm fruit and crunchy layers.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ready to bake this irresistibly moist banana bread cake? The great news is that it’s simple, fuss-free, and uses just one mixing bowl. This recipe is beginner-friendly but delivers bakery-level results every time.

Step-by-step instructions for a foolproof bake

Here’s how to make this banana bread cake from scratch:

1. Prep the pan and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cream butter and sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat ½ cup softened butter with 1½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take about 2–3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it helps aerate the batter.

3. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla
Mix in 2 large eggs, 1 cup full-fat sour cream, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

4. Combine dry ingredients
Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix on low speed just until combined—avoid over-mixing, which can make the cake dense.

5. Stir in mashed bananas
Fold in 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas) until evenly distributed.

6. Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

7. Cool completely
Let the cake cool in the pan before frosting. This is crucial to avoid melting the frosting and creating a mess.

Want to try another holiday-perfect cake? Check out this Christmas Fudge Cake Dessert Recipe.

Baking tips to ensure a moist, fluffy texture

• Use full-fat dairy: Full-fat sour cream and cream cheese are non-negotiables for flavor and structure.
• Don’t overbake: The cake should be light golden on top with a soft crumb inside. Overbaking will dry it out.
• Use ripe bananas only: They’re sweeter and easier to mash, which helps with texture and moisture.
• Let it rest overnight: Banana desserts often taste even better the next day. Wrap the cooled cake tightly and store it at room temp overnight.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars for another rich, crowd-friendly baked dessert.

Mixing and cooling tips before frosting

• Mix frosting on low to start: To avoid a sugar cloud, begin mixing the frosting ingredients (butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream) on low speed, then increase.
• Frost only when fully cooled: If the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
• Make-ahead frosting: You can prep the frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temp before spreading.

For more sweet inspiration, check out our 3-Ingredient Brownies Dessert Recipe—a simple yet indulgent chocolate fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cake

Conclusion – Make This Banana Bread Cake Your New Go-To Treat

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice. With its one-bowl prep, rich banana flavor, fluffy cream cheese topping, and simple ingredients, this cake is foolproof and fabulous.

It’s more than a dessert—it’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this cake brings comfort and flavor in every bite.

Check out our Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe if you’re craving even more banana dessert magic.

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