There’s something incredibly comforting about a slice of moist banana cake topped with creamy frosting, isn’t there? I can almost taste it now! This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to treat your family to something special. In just 45 minutes, you can have a delightful dessert that everyone will love. And if you’re looking for easy pasta recipes to pair with your cake, I’ve got you covered too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 45 minutes.
- Moist and flavorful, thanks to ripe bananas.
- Rich cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level.
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight treat.
- Can be customized with nuts or banana slices for added texture.
Ingredients
To make this delightful banana cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/4 cups of mashed banana)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (you can also use unflavored coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 (8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 1/4-5 cups powdered sugar
- Additional toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts and/or banana slices
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious banana cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13″ pan with non-stick baking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Add the sugar, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well using a whisk or hand mixer.
- In a second bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a fork or whisk to mix together, helping to break up any lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a whisk or hand mixer to mix the batter. If adding nuts, fold them into the batter using a rubber scraper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 32-35 minutes until golden brown. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean and crumb-free, it is done. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- For the cream cheese frosting: place the room temperature cream cheese and butter into a mixing bowl. Cream together with a hand or stand mixer. Add in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The frosting will be thick but not overly firm. Spread evenly onto the cooled cake. Top with additional chopped nuts and/or banana slices, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your banana cake turns out perfectly:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step before frosting; it helps the frosting stay intact.
- If you want to make this a Cream Cheese Banana Cake, consider adding a layer of banana frosting on top of the cream cheese frosting for an extra banana kick!
- For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing.
How to Serve
This banana cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it as a delightful dessert after a family dinner or as a sweet treat during a coffee break. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also serve it at birthday parties or potlucks, and I guarantee it will be a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare this cake ahead of time, you can bake it a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep the frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking! This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to become a family favorite, and it’s a fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas. Plus, if you’re looking for 30-minute meals or weeknight dinner ideas, don’t forget to check out my collection of easy pasta recipes to complete your meal. Happy baking!
Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix mashed bananas, sugar, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients; add gradually to wet mixture. Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 32-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until thick. Spread frosting over cooled cake and add toppings.