As the scent of warm bananas wafts through your kitchen, you can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you—like a cozy hug from a loved one. This Ultra Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is my spin on a classic dessert, perfect for transforming those overripe bananas into something irresistibly delicious. Not only is it a breeze to whip up, but its rich flavor and tender texture make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re indulging at brunch or wrapping it up as a sweet gift for friends. Plus, the fluffy cream cheese frosting adds a delightful twist that takes this treat to new heights. Are you ready to create a slice of comfort that you’ll want to savor again and again?

Why is this Banana Bread Cake special?

Ultra Moist texture: This cake boasts unmatched moisture, making it melt in your mouth.
Heavenly Flavor: The deep, rich banana taste combined with warm spices is pure bliss.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create a masterpiece.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing at gatherings!
Frosting Enchantment: Fluffy cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that elevates every bite. Want to explore more delightful recipes? Try our Pumpkin Cream Cheese for another creamy indulgence!

Banana Bread Cake Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting!

For the Cake

Ripe Bananas – Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moistness.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake; a gluten-free blend can work as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; adjust to taste, or reduce slightly for less sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Enhances moisture and depth of flavor; using both sugars adds complexity.
Unsalted Butter or Vegetable Oil – Fats keep the cake tender; oil may result in a denser texture.
Large Eggs – Bind ingredients together and add stability to your cake.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and a slight tang; buttermilk can be used as a substitute.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents; check that they are fresh for optimal rising.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses delightful flavor to both the cake and frosting.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; it beautifully complements the banana flavor.

For the Frosting

Cream Cheese – The star of the frosting, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting; adjust quantity to your preferred sweetness.

Optional Toppings

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Adds delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Fresh Banana Slices – Garnish for a lovely presentation and additional banana taste.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your baking pan. Grease an 8″x8″ or 9″x9″ cake pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release. This step is crucial for that perfect Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting that everyone will love.

Step 2: Prepare the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. Aim for a consistency that’s creamy, with only small chunks remaining to maximize the flavor and moisture. This smooth banana mixture will be the heart of your cake, making it rich and delicious.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combination of dry ingredients helps create a perfectly balanced cake structure. Make sure everything is well-mixed, as this step is essential for the overall texture of the Banana Bread Cake.

Step 4: Cream Sugars and Fat
In another bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and your choice of unsalted butter or vegetable oil until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. It’s an important step to achieve an ultra-moist cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and the mashed bananas to the sugar mixture. Mix until just combined to maintain a light texture. The combination of these ingredients contributes to the moistness and flavor of your Banana Bread Cake.

Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing. Use a spatula, and stop as soon as you can no longer see any flour. Overmixing could result in a dense cake, so aim for a few visible flour streaks for the perfect moist texture in your Banana Bread Cake.

Step 7: Transfer to Pan
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it even. This helps ensure that the cake rises uniformly while baking—a key step to achieving that perfectly moist bake with appealing presentation.

Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it, and your kitchen will soon fill with the warm scent of baking bananas.

Step 9: Cool Completely
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s crucial to let the Banana Bread Cake cool completely before frosting, ensuring that your cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt into a gooey mess.

Step 10: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s fluffy and easily spreadable. This rich frosting is what elevates your cake to a delightful treat.

Step 11: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is cool, generously spread your cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula. Don’t be shy; this frosting brings a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. Optionally, you can sprinkle chopped nuts or arrange banana slices for an added decorative touch.

Step 12: Serve and Savor
Now that your Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready, slice it up and serve! It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or any gathering. Enjoy the compliments as your friends and family delight in each flavorful bite of this homemade confection.

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Cake

Fridge: Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will help preserve its moist texture and delicious cream cheese frosting.

Freezer: Unfrosted banana bread cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frosting Storage: Cream cheese frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick mix before using it on your cake.

Reheating: For best results, slice the banana bread cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring it remains moist and delightful!

What to Serve with Ultra Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing quite like the warm scent of freshly baked banana bread cake wafting through your kitchen, inviting sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons.

Fresh Fruits: A colorful assortment of berries brightens up your plate while providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered with honey and granola, this adds a creamy texture that balances the cake’s sweetness. It’s nourishing and satisfying!
Spiced Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai enhance the cinnamon notes in your cake, creating a comforting pairing perfect for any time of day.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful temperature contrast, melting slightly into each slice for an indulgent treat.
Crunchy Granola: Sprinkle some over the top for a textural contrast, adding both crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the moisture of the cake.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle adds a sweet touch, enhancing the banana flavor while creating a luscious finish to each bite.

Savor these complementary treats alongside your Ultra Moist Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a delightful dining experience that brings comfort and joy to your table!

Make Ahead Options

These Ultra Moist Banana Bread Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mash the ripe bananas up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, the dry ingredients can be pre-measured and combined, allowing you to streamline your baking process. When you’re ready to finish the recipe, simply mix your ingredients as instructed and bake! If you’ve made the cream cheese frosting ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before frosting the cooled cake. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to go in no time!

Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist Variations

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your taste buds and pantry! The possibilities are as delightful as the finished cake itself.

Frozen Bananas: Use frozen, thawed bananas for a quick prep; they’ll be super moist and sweet.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a delightful alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Cupcake Twist: Transform the batter into cupcakes for a fun, portable treat; bake for about 18–22 minutes.
Less Sweet Option: Omit the frosting for a less sweet experience, or pair the cake with a warm drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pumpkin Spice Fall Spin: Add pumpkin puree and spices like nutmeg to the batter for an autumnal twist. The resulting flavor is cozy and nostalgic!
Nuts Galore: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor—a delightful texture contrast to the cake’s softness.
Cinnamon Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar into the batter for a sweet surprise that elevates each slice.
Cream Cheese Variants: Try mixing in flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or vanilla, for a unique frosting experience. This adds a fun twist to the traditional frosting style.

Embrace these variations, and don’t forget, you can use this idea for a scrumptious Chocolate Banana Bread too! Enjoy customizing your ultra-moist banana bread cake!

Helpful Tricks for Banana Bread Cake

Use Ripe Bananas: The key to a delicious Banana Bread Cake is very ripe bananas. They provide the best natural sweetness and moisture—don’t skip this!
Monitor Mixing: Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of that light and tender texture.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it with cream cheese. This prevents the frosting from melting and maintains its lovely texture.
Check Doneness Wisely: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures your cake is perfectly baked without being undercooked.
Customize with Toppings: Add optional toppings like chopped nuts or fresh banana slices for added texture and visual appeal. These small touches elevate your Banana Bread Cake experience!

Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture in your Banana Bread Cake Ultra Moist with Cream Cheese Frosting, use very ripe bananas. Look for bananas that are mostly brown or have dark spots. The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be!

How should I store my banana bread cake?
To keep your frosted Banana Bread Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re sticking with un-frosted cake, it can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and safely frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Can I freeze the banana bread cake with frosting?
It’s best to freeze the un-frosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then frost with the freshly prepared cream cheese frosting. Believe me, the texture will be just as delicious as the day you baked it!

What if my banana bread cake turns out dense?
Very! A dense cake can sometimes happen if the batter is overmixed. To avoid this, mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined, leaving a few flour streaks. Checking your baking soda and powder for freshness will also help ensure your cake rises beautifully, keeping it light and fluffy.

Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! The Banana Bread Cake is vegetarian-friendly, and for gluten-free baking, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just remember to carefully check that your baking powder and soda are also gluten-free. If you’re making this for someone with a nut allergy, you can omit the optional nuts while still enjoying that delightful flavor!