There’s nothing better than overripe bananas when you’re craving something sweet and homemade! This Banana Bread Cake is the perfect way to use up those browned bananas, delivering a moist, flavorful treat topped with the creamiest cream cheese frosting.

Baked in a simple 9×13 pan, this cake comes together effortlessly in just one bowl. The rich banana flavor shines through in every bite, complemented by a thick, velvety frosting. For the perfect finishing touch, garnish with fresh banana slices and chopped walnuts.

So next time your bananas start to brown, skip the ordinary banana bread and bake this deliciously soft Banana Bread Cake instead!

If you think banana cake is just a sweeter version of banana bread, think again. While both share that signature cozy flavor and incredible moistness, this cake is in a league of its own. Unlike banana bread, which sometimes pretends to be a breakfast option (we all know better!), this banana cake fully embraces its status as a dessert. It’s richer, more indulgent, and undeniably sweet—with an irresistible frosting to seal the deal.

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect match, balancing the cake’s sweetness with a subtle tang and a smooth, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense crumb. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with chopped nuts or a drizzle of homemade dulce de leche, this banana cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—though it’s just as delightful enjoyed straight from the pan!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BANANA BREAD CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

• Moist and Tender – The perfect balance of banana flavor and soft, cake-like texture.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting – Smooth, tangy, and perfectly sweet to complement the cake.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof recipe for a no-fuss dessert.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for brunch, a special treat, or even a birthday cake.
• Banana Bread Meets Cake – All the comforting flavors of banana bread with the indulgence of cake.
• Deliciously Spiced – A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm, cozy flavors.
• Stays Moist for Days – Even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead baking.

INGREDIENTS FOR BANANA BREAD CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

For the Cake:

• All-purpose Flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and flavors throughout the cake.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Provides richness and moisture, contributing to a smooth texture.
• Canola Oil: Works alongside butter to create a moist and tender cake crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while also helping to tenderize its structure.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): Bind ingredients together and add moisture for a richer texture.
• Extra Egg White (Room Temperature): Lightens the batter, ensuring a finer, airier crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Ripe Bananas: Introduce natural sweetness and moisture, imparting a distinct banana flavor.
• Milk: Combines with the mashed bananas to further hydrate the batter and ensure smooth mixing.

For the Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (Room Temperature): Forms a creamy, tangy base that contrasts deliciously with the sweet cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enriches the frosting with a warm, aromatic note.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Chopped Toasted Nuts (Optional): Offer a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor if you choose to add them.

HOW TO MAKE THIS BANANA BREAD CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to the proper temperature.
• Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Set this dry mix aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream the Fats & Sugar

• In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, canola oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs and the extra egg white one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Prepare the Banana Mixture

• In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas and combine them with the milk.
• Mix until the bananas and milk are well blended.

Step 5: Assemble the Batter

• Gradually fold half of the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture.
• Incorporate the banana mixture into the batter.
• Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

• Pour the complete batter into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

• In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed.
• Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while reducing the mixer speed, continuing until the frosting is smooth and well blended.

Step 8: Frost & Garnish

• Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
• If desired, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

STORAGE OPTIONS

Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled for freshness.

Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheat: Enjoy chilled or bring to room temperature for a softer texture. If you prefer it slightly warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the frosting.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Flour: Use whole wheat for a hearty texture or a gluten-free blend.
• Dairy: Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream; use dairy-free butter and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Flavor Boosts: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract.
• Mix-Ins: Walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut for texture.
• Frosting Options: Try maple, honey, peanut butter, or a lighter whipped cream frosting.

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Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups 240g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
• 4 tablespoons 56g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 large egg white room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Banana Mixture:
• 4 large ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup 59ml milk
• For the Frosting:
• 4 ounces 113g cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups 165g confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted nuts optional

Instructions

• Making the Cake:
• Preheat and Prepare Pan:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Lightly coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
• Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream Wet Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, canola oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs and the extra egg white one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Prepare Banana Mixture:
• In another bowl, mash the bananas with the milk until mostly smooth.
• Combine Mixtures:
• Gradually mix half of the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture.
• Fold in the mashed banana mixture.
• Gently stir in the remaining dry ingredients until just incorporated.
• Bake:
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
• Making the Frosting:
• Beat Cream Cheese:
• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth.
• Add Confectioners’ Sugar:
• Reduce the mixer speed and gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is creamy and well blended.
• Finish:
• Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
• If using, sprinkle the chopped toasted nuts over the frosting.