If you love banana bread, just wait until you try this Banana Bread Cake! It’s got the same rich banana flavor but with a light, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. This is the kind of cake that disappears fast—whether you make it for a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just because you have some overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
🍌 Why This Recipe Works
✔ Moist & Flavorful – Thanks to mashed bananas and buttermilk.
✔ Super Easy to Make – Just mix, bake, and frost!
✔ Not Too Sweet – The perfect balance of flavors.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack.
Ingredients
🍰 For the Banana Bread Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or mix ½ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes)
🧁 For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make It
🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
🍌 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
🥣 Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until it’s light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
🥚 Step 4: Add Eggs & Bananas
Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
🥄 Step 5: Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
🍰 Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
🧁 How to Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
🥄 Step 1: Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
🍯 Step 2: Add Sugar & Vanilla
Gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
🍰 Step 3: Frost & Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
👉 For extra flavor, top with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel.
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
✔ Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
✔ Don’t Overmix – This keeps the cake soft and fluffy.
✔ Chill the Frosting – If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before spreading.
✔ Make It Ahead – The cake actually tastes even better the next day!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 min).
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze banana cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix ½ cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Can I turn this into cupcakes?
Yes! Just pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cake is a total crowd-pleaser—fluffy, moist, and topped with the most incredible cream cheese frosting. Whether you make it for a birthday, brunch, or just because you need to use up some bananas, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit!
💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
📌 Don’t forget to save & share this recipe! ❤️