Name: Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Super moist, tender, and irresistibly soft, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the sweet treat your weekend deserves. Whether you’re baking for a cozy gathering or just want to use up some ripe bananas in a more exciting way, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds. It strikes the perfect balance of natural banana flavor and a tangy, rich frosting that melts in your mouth.

The cake is delightfully airy yet indulgent, topped with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting that adds just the right creamy contrast. No frills here—just pure comfort in every bite. It’s a great dessert for banana lovers and an easy-to-make favorite you’ll want to add to your regular baking rotation.

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

Uses ripe bananas you already have on hand
Incredibly moist and fluffy texture
Perfectly balanced sweetness
Classic cream cheese frosting that adds richness
Ideal for casual brunches, birthdays, or afternoon treats
Easy one-bowl batter and beginner-friendly

What Kind of Bananas Are Best for Banana Cake?

The riper the better! You want bananas that are deep yellow with lots of brown speckles or even fully brown—these offer maximum sweetness and that intense banana flavor essential for this cake. Avoid under-ripe bananas, which can make the texture drier and the flavor less pronounced.

Ingredients for the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a moist, flavorful cake with a rich topping. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Ripe Bananas: The soul of the cake—they bring moisture, sweetness, and unmistakable banana flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its soft structure and stability.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together for the perfect rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and moisture; granulated sugar balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to the fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Buttermilk: Makes the cake extra moist with a subtle tang.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

Cream Cheese: Softened and full-fat for best results—creamy and slightly tangy.
Butter: Helps with smoothness and adds body to the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens without grittiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor.

How To Make the Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment if desired for easy removal.

Step 2: Mash and Mix

Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk

Fold in the buttermilk gently. This step ensures the cake stays super moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat again until fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Slice

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and top with banana slices or chopped nuts if desired.

How to Store and Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe yields about 12 generous slices, perfect for sharing (or not!). To serve, bring the cake to room temperature for the best flavor and frosting texture.

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, skip the frosting, wrap the cooled cake tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.