Introduction
Banana bread lovers, meet your new favorite upgrade: Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Moist, tender, and filled with banana flavor, this cake turns a humble loaf into an elegant dessert. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect blend of homey comfort and indulgent decadence.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Banana bread became a household staple during the Great Depression as a way to use overripe bananas and reduce food waste. Over time, it evolved from a simple quick bread into various creative adaptations, including muffins, cookies, and cakes. This banana bread cake elevates the traditional loaf into a dessert-worthy dish, marrying the nostalgia of banana bread with the celebration-ready feel of a frosted cake.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Banana Bread Cake:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions
Chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
A sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter or frosting
A drizzle of caramel sauce on top
Mini chocolate chips folded into the batter
Tips for Success
Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Let all your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter; stir until just combined for a tender crumb.
Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Refrigerate leftovers to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Instructions
To Make the Banana Bread Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and sour cream.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Description
This cake is a dreamy cross between classic banana bread and a soft, moist sheet cake. Every bite offers rich banana flavor and a hint of tanginess from the sour cream, topped with silky, sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a comforting yet elegant treat that works for both casual snacking and special occasions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. based on 12 servings)
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting transforms a classic quick bread into a rich, frosted delight. It’s easy to make yet impressive to serve—perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just satisfying your banana bread cravings in style.
Recommendation
Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle chopped nuts or caramel drizzle on top. It also makes a wonderful birthday cake alternative for banana lovers!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a slightly lighter version, try reducing the sugar, using whole wheat flour, or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also cut smaller slices and savor slowly—indulgence doesn’t have to mean excess. Balance and joy are key to every delicious bite.