Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. This cake is moist, flavorful, and offers a perfect balance of sweetness. With the rich and creamy frosting, it becomes a classic dessert loved by many. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a sweet slice, this recipe is sure to impress.

How to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted nuts (optional)

Directions

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

To Make the Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and beat again.
3. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can also add chopped toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch, if you like. Slice the cake into squares and serve on a plate. It’s perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.

How to Store Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it without the frosting. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Tips to Make Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting.
• Don’t skip the cooling time for the cake; adding frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or walnuts to the batter for added flavor. If you prefer a different frosting, consider a simple vanilla buttercream or a chocolate frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge without frosting until you’re ready to serve.

3. What if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, you can add a little milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist and flavorful banana cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
• 1/4 cup milk

For the Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped toasted nuts (optional)

Instructions

 

To Make the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
• In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another large bowl, beat the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
• Mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
• Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

To Make the Frosting

• In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Add the vanilla extract and beat again.
• Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar while mixing until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

How to Serve

• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
• Slice the cake into squares and serve on a plate. It's perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.

Notes

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze without frosting for up to three months. Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth frosting.

Keyword Baking, Banana Cake, Banana Desserts, Cream Cheese Frosting, Dessert Recipe