A bakery-style banana cake made from ripe bananas and enriched with a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting. Tender crumb, balanced sweetness and easily customizable for celebrations or everyday dessert.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
Instructions
Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips
Tips & Variations
Serving Suggestions & Storage
FAQs About Banana Cake
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Introduction
Turn those overripe bananas into a show-stopping dessert: this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting produces a moist, tender crumb and a frosting that’s tangy, silky and perfectly sweet. Unlike banana bread, this cake is light enough for a celebratory slice but homey enough for a weekday treat. The recipe balances mashed banana for authentic fruit flavor, butter for richness, and buttermilk for acidity that keeps the crumb soft and springy. I developed and refined this version so it reliably yields bakery-style results in a home oven — practical, forgiving, and delicious. This version is presented and tested for clarity by tinsuf to help you get consistent results whether you bake in a 9×13 pan or assemble a layered round cake.
The technique emphasizes gentle mixing once the flour is added, a modest amount of fat for richness without heaviness, and a classic cream cheese frosting that complements the banana’s sweetness with a pleasant tang. Below you’ll find exact ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guidance, storage advice, suggested variations, and frequently asked questions to ensure success.
Recipe Details
Author: tinsuf
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Keywords: banana cake, cream cheese frosting, moist cake, banana dessert
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 12 servings (9×13) or 10–12 slices from two 8-inch rounds
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep & preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or prepare two 8-inch round pans by lining the bottoms with parchment and greasing the sides.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (if using). Whisk to aerate and set aside.
Cream butter & sugar: In a large bowl, beat 3/4 cup softened butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed.
Add eggs & bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas until combined.
Combine wet & dry: Add the dry mixture in three additions, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk (start and end with dry). Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
Bake: Transfer batter to the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes in a 9×13 pan (25–30 minutes for 8-inch rounds), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Allow the cake(s) to cool in the pan 10–15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, then beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt until light and spreadable.
Frost & finish: Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Decorate with banana slices, toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel if desired. Chill briefly to set for cleaner slices.
Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips
Dense cake: Avoid overmixing after adding the flour—mix only until the dry streaks disappear. Ensure your baking powder is fresh.
Dry crumb: Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, or weigh it for accuracy. Do not overbake—start checking a few minutes before the minimum time.
Frosting too runny: Chill the cream cheese slightly and beat again; add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Frosting too sweet: Reduce powdered sugar slightly or add a touch more cream cheese to increase tang.
Tips & Variations
Walnut or pecan addition: Fold 3/4 cup chopped toasted nuts into the batter for crunch and flavor contrast.
Chocolate twist: Stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate–banana variation.
Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
Layer cake: Double the frosting if assembling a two-layer 8-inch cake for easier coverage and filling.
Decorative finish: Top with toasted coconut, banana chips, or a light drizzle of caramel for an elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Serve slices at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair with coffee, tea, or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted cake layers freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw completely and frost before serving.
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FAQs About Banana Cake
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw completely, drain off excess liquid and mash before measuring. Adjust sugar slightly if bananas are extra sweet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and follow package substitutions for leavening if recommended.
Why is my cake sinking in the middle?
Underbaking, opening the oven early, or too much leavening can cause sinking. Check doneness with a toothpick and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Recipe provided by tinsuf. Enjoy this moist, tender banana cake for gatherings, celebrations or a comforting treat — experiment with the suggested variations and make it your own.