Few desserts capture the heart quite like a slice of moist, tender Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is the perfect blend of sweet banana flavor, buttery softness, and tangy cream cheese topping—a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this banana cake is sure to steal the show.
What sets this recipe apart is its incredible texture, balanced sweetness, and rich, velvety frosting that brings it all together. With overripe bananas and a few pantry staples, you can bake a cake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Recipe
- Soft and fluffy crumb with rich banana flavor
- Cream cheese frosting that’s perfectly sweet and tangy
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day
- A delicious way to use up ripe bananas
Ingredients for the Best Banana Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 large bananas)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans. Line with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Bananas
In a small bowl, combine the mashed bananas and lemon juice. Set aside—this will help maintain the bananas’ fresh color and enhance their flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light texture.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for an airy cake. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Bananas and Buttermilk
Stir in the mashed banana mixture. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). Bake for 45–50 minutes (9×13 pan) or 25–30 minutes (round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Sugar
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired.
Step 3: Frost and Garnish
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor, or leave it plain for a classic look.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake
- Use very ripe bananas—they should be soft and heavily speckled for the sweetest, richest flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, most decadent frosting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
- You can freeze the cake (unfrosted or frosted). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations to Try
- Banana Walnut Cake – Add ¾ cup chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty bite.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake – Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips.
- Banana Cupcakes – Divide the batter into muffin tins for banana cupcakes, reducing bake time to 20–22 minutes.
Why This Banana Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just another dessert—it’s the kind of cake that turns an ordinary day into something special. Its moist crumb, balanced sweetness, and luscious frosting make it an unforgettable treat for kids and adults alike. Whether served after dinner, at a birthday party, or just because, it’s always a hit.
If you’ve got a few ripe bananas on the counter, this is the recipe to reach for. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
