Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This delightful banana bread cake combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the irresistible texture of a moist sheet cake, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy parents and anyone looking for a quick, delicious treat. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cake

This banana bread inspired cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a time-saving, crowd-pleasing creation that simplifies your baking. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again for its sheer ease and incredible taste.

• Effortless Baking: No fancy techniques or complicated steps are needed to make this delicious banana bread cake.
• Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet bananas and tangy cream cheese frosting in every bite.
• Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers will achieve perfect results with our clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a hit with families and friends, making it ideal for any gathering or a cozy night in.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have this comforting dessert ready in under an hour, from mixing to baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for this amazing banana bread cake. Using good quality, fresh ingredients makes all the difference in the final flavor and texture of your cake.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened to room temperature for smooth creaming.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar, to sweeten the cake perfectly.
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature to incorporate easily into the batter.
• 1 cup sour cream, full-fat is best for moisture and richness. You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier note.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that essential warm flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, measured correctly for the right cake texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda, the leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
• ¼ teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• 1 cup mashed bananas, about 3 ripe bananas. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
• 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese, full-fat and softened for the frosting.
• 3 cups powdered sugar, for a smooth and sweet cream cheese frosting.
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, to achieve the perfect frosting consistency. You can also use milk if cream isn’t available.

Essential Equipment

You only need a few basic tools to bring this easy banana bread cake to life.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or whisk
• Toothpicks for testing doneness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this moist and flavorful banana bread cake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. Remember to allow ample cooling time for the best frosting experience!

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. It might look a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it’s uniform and airy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Blend these wet ingredients together until they are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Blend on low speed just until the flour is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Fold in Bananas: Gently stir in the mashed bananas. Use a spatula to fold them in until just incorporated.
7. Transfer to Dish: Pour the banana bread cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake the Cake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs or completely clean. If you see wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes. The edges and top will be lightly browned.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Cooling fully is crucial before frosting. Once cooled, you can frost it right away or cover it tightly with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature overnight, then frost before serving.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a clean large bowl, using your hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining softened butter together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is smooth, light, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding a tiny bit more cream or powdered sugar.
4. Frost and Serve: Once the banana bread cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect banana bread cake is easy with these helpful hints. Keep these tips in mind for a consistently delicious result.

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Using very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots greatly enhances the flavor and natural sweetness of your baked goods. The science behind using overripe bananas in baking explains how their starch converts to natural sugars.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform bake.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off. Patience here ensures a beautiful finish.
• Evenly Spread Frosting: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting smoothly over the cooled cake.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile banana bread cake is perfect for various occasions and can be easily adapted. Here are some ideas for serving and keeping it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your delightful banana bread cake as a dessert for family dinners, potlucks, or simply as a comforting snack with your morning coffee. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dusting of chopped pecans, or even a few extra banana slices for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Unfrosted cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerated: Once frosted, store the banana bread cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days due to the cream cheese frosting.
• Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted cake slices for up to 2-3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the mashed bananas for added texture.
• Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in ¼ cup of melted dark chocolate into a portion of the batter before pouring it into the dish.
• Spice It Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, fairer flavor profile.
• Coconut Delight: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Nutrition Information

This banana bread cake is a delicious treat, and it’s helpful to know the nutritional breakdown for planning. Please note this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Based on 18 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful banana bread cake.

Q: Can I use overripe bananas that are black?

A: Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Blackened bananas are ideal for this recipe.

Q: Why is my banana bread cake dry?

A: A dry cake is often caused by overmixing the batter or overbaking. Ensure you mix just until combined and check for doneness with a toothpick at the earlier end of the baking time.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Q: How do I store leftover frosting?

A: Store any leftover cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You may need to re-whip it briefly before using.

Q: Is it necessary for ingredients to be at room temperature?

A: Yes, room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly, creating a more uniform batter and a lighter, fluffier texture in your finished banana bread cake.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to bake an absolutely amazing banana bread cake with a delightful cream cheese frosting. This recipe proves that incredibly delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s perfect for new bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a comforting slice of homemade goodness with minimal effort. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of this wonderful cake fill your kitchen! Happy baking!