Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is pure comfort in every bite. It’s soft, ultra-moist, and bursting with real banana flavor. Topped with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting, this cake hits all the right notes—perfect for celebrations, brunch, or even just a cozy night in. It’s like banana bread’s more elegant, party-ready cousin.

The creamy frosting complements the banana-rich base so beautifully, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds). This is one of those cakes that tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have melded together. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this banana cake is one to bookmark.

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What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

Overripe bananas are the key to success here. The more brown spots, the better. Their natural sugars and deep flavor make the cake incredibly moist and flavorful. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag with an apple or using your oven at a low temp to soften and sweeten them quickly.

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Ingredients for the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Bananas: Ripe bananas are the soul of this cake. They give the cake its sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana flavor.

All-purpose flour: The structure of the cake. It balances out the softness from the bananas and ensures a tender crumb.

Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents work together to give the cake a light, fluffy lift.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors in the cake.

Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with banana.

Unsalted butter: Brings richness and depth to the batter.

Granulated sugar & brown sugar: A mix of both gives a balanced sweetness and a slight caramel-like undertone.

Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together.

Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and keeps the cake incredibly moist.

Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a lovely aroma.

Cream cheese: For the frosting—softened and ready to whip into dreamy smoothness.

Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without adding graininess.

Vanilla & a pinch of salt: Enhances the frosting’s flavor and balances the sweetness.

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How To Make the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper if you’d like easy removal. Mash your ripe bananas until smooth and measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air and creating a soft cake texture.

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Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting aroma.

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Step 4: Add Bananas and Sour Cream

Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This combination keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.

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Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.

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Step 6: Bake It

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

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Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake is cool, spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh banana slices just before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This banana cake is the kind of dessert that works for any time of day. Serve it slightly chilled for a firmer frosting texture or let it come to room temperature for an ultra-creamy experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk, making it a cozy choice for both brunch and dessert.

For storing, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting helps seal in the moisture, so the cake only gets better as it sits. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How ripe should my bananas be?

You want them deeply speckled or nearly black on the outside. The riper the banana, the more moisture and flavor it brings to the cake.

Can I make this banana cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it when you’re ready to serve.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream helps create a tender crumb, but Greek yogurt is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips add texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in before baking.

What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?

You can use two 9-inch round cake pans for a layered version, or even make cupcakes—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How long does the frosting last?

Cream cheese frosting will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Keep it covered tightly and give it a quick stir before using.

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Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting has you hooked on moist, flavorful cakes, you’re going to want to try these other irresistible options:

• Cinna Bun Cake for that ooey-gooey cinnamon swirl in every bite.
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread if you love bananas and crave chocolate overload.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a no-bake dessert with a creamy twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes for a fruity spin on classic cake flavors.
• Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake for an indulgent treat packed with layers of flavor.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go classic or add a twist with nuts or chocolate? Did you eat it warm or chilled?

I always love seeing your creations and hearing your kitchen tips. Let’s inspire each other!

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