Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight

Nothing says “home” quite like the sweet, familiar scent of bananas baking into a soft cake topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. This Banana Bread Cake is the best of both worlds—a tender, moist crumb (much like your favorite banana bread) but lighter and more cake-like, with a creamy frosting finish that feels like a comforting hug. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy enough for beginners, yet delightful enough to share with loved ones over casual gatherings or cozy selfies with your favorite mug.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake Batter:

• 1¼ cups (≈150 g) all-purpose flour (or cake flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (amount assumed ~½ cup / 113 g)*
• 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 3 very ripe bananas (about 1 generous cup mashed)
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (≈225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (≈113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust for sweetness/thickness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or orange extract)
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, to thin if needed)

*Note: Unsure of butter amount? Often around ½ cup for this recipe style—feel free to adjust slightly based on texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Pans
   Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans; you can also line with parchment rounds for easy removal.
2. Mash Bananas
   Peel and mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this may take up to 10 minutes if doing by hand, but the fluffiness helps give the cake its tender crumb.
5. Add Eggs
   Add the eggs and yolks one at a time, mixing until just combined before adding the next.
6. Alternate Bananas & Dry Mix
   Add half the mashed banana mixture, then half the dry ingredients; mix gently. Repeat with the remaining banana and flour mix, stirring until just combined—avoid overmixing.
7. Bake the Cake
   Divide the batter between your prepared pans. Bake for 35–50 minutes (depending on pan depth), until a toothpick or probe thermometer reads ~200–210 °F (93–99 °C).
8. Cool Thoroughly
   Let cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s key to let them chill fully before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Steps

1. Cream Cream Cheese & Butter
   In a mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Powdered Sugar
   Slowly add sifted powdered sugar—starting with a smaller amount if you prefer tangier frosting, then increase to your desired sweetness and consistency.
3. Finish with Flavor
   Add vanilla (or orange extract) and beat until smooth and fluffy. If too thick, blend in heavy cream one tablespoon at a time.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are room temp for best mixing and rise.
• Bananas Matter: Overripe, spotty bananas bring a richer, sweeter banana flavor.
• Frosting Texture: For firmer piping, add more powdered sugar; for spreadable frosting, thin with heavy cream.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge (thanks to the cream cheese) in an airtight container—bring to room temp before serving for best texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Cupcake Version
   Turn this into cupcakes by filling liners ~¾ full and baking for about 20 minutes. Perfect for parties or portion control.
2. Sheet Cake Option
   Bake in a 9 × 13-inch pan for an easy one-layer cake; halve the frosting recipe accordingly.
3. Bundt or Loaf Pan
   Use a bundt or loaf pan for a rustic twist—bake until a skewer comes out clean, usually 35–55 minutes depending on size.
4. Greek Yogurt Swap
   Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slight tang and lighter tangential tang—equally delicious and beginner-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

• Morning Treat: Enjoy with a swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon on top.
• Afternoon Pairing: Great with a mug of chai or milk for kids.
• Party Presentation: Garnish with caramelized banana slices or chopped nuts for a festive touch.

conclusion

There you have it—a lovingly simple, banana-filled cake perfect for family breakfasts, friendly gatherings, or quiet moments with a slice and a smile. The creamy frosting and soft crumb blend into something timeless and comforting. Bake up a little joy, share it around, and savor each bite—especially when paired with warm company or your favorite cozy corner. Happy baking and sweeter moments ahead!