Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large ripe bananas; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

When life gives you overripe bananas, it would be a shame not to bake them into a luscious banana cake layered with tangy cream cheese frosting. This cake is incredibly moist, with a soft crumb and the kind of banana flavor that only gets better after a day. Topped with a cloud of silky-smooth cream cheese frosting, it’s the kind of dessert that turns everyday moments into something a little more special.

Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or those cozy afternoons when baking feels like the best kind of therapy, this banana cake is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it chilled or at room temp, one bite of this comforting classic will remind you why simple flavors are often the best.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This isn’t your average banana bread dressed up. It’s tender, rich, and baked in a pan for easy slicing and sharing. The combination of ripe bananas and buttermilk keeps the texture perfectly moist, while the warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla round out the flavor beautifully. And the frosting? A dreamy, lightly tangy cream cheese layer that balances the sweetness and adds just the right amount of indulgence.

What Kind of Bananas Should I Use?

The riper the better. You want bananas that are deeply speckled or even blackened on the outside. Overripe bananas have concentrated sugars and a soft texture that melds seamlessly into the batter, delivering maximum banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ready, you can speed up the process by baking them in their skins at 300°F for about 15 minutes until blackened and soft.

Ingredients for the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe uses basic pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect banana cake.

Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

All-purpose flour gives structure to the cake while keeping the crumb tender.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps with browning.

Brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel note.

Baking soda ensures the cake rises properly and balances the acidity of the bananas.

Salt sharpens all the flavors.

Ground cinnamon enhances the banana flavor with a warm, cozy spice.

Buttermilk creates a tender texture and reacts with the baking soda for lift.

Eggs add richness and stability to the batter.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.

Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor.

Cream cheese gives the frosting its classic tang and creamy body.

Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting without grittiness.

Heavy cream makes the frosting light and spreadable.

How To Make the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mash your ripe bananas until mostly smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Chill slightly for cleaner cuts, or serve at room temperature for an ultra-soft bite.

How to Store and Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This cake feeds about 12 generous slices, making it great for gatherings or as a treat throughout the week. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If you prefer a soft bite, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices (wrapped well) and defrost them overnight in the fridge. The frosting holds up surprisingly well after freezing, making this a great make-ahead option too.

What to Serve With Banana Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

The warm, roasted notes of coffee contrast perfectly with the sweet richness of the cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream on top turns this into a decadent dessert perfect for dinner parties.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries offer a burst of tartness that brightens every bite.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Add a luxurious touch with a drizzle of warm caramel over each slice.

Toasted Nuts

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for crunch and flavor.

Whipped Cream

Lighten things up with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side.

Glass of Cold Milk

Simple and nostalgic, especially for an after-school snack feel.

Want More Cake Ideas?

If you love this banana cake, here are more comforting, flavor-packed bakes to try next:

Butter Pecan Pound Cake with a rich nutty glaze and tender crumb.
Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze for a subtly spiced twist.
Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake if you’re craving something elegant.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins to keep the banana love going strong.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chopped nuts? Maybe a dash of nutmeg or maple syrup in the frosting?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake better, one slice at a time.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the kind of dessert that never disappoints. Moist, flavorful, and easy to throw together, it’s perfect for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. The tangy cream cheese frosting is the cherry on top that makes each bite feel complete. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just because, this cake is one you’ll want to make again and again.