Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here’s a detailed, from-scratch Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This version is moist like banana bread but soft and fluffy like cake—perfect for birthdays or family desserts 🍌🍰

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🍌 Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

⏱ Time

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Bake: 35–40 minutes

• Cooling & Frosting: 45 minutes

• Total: ~1 hour 45 minutes

🍽 Serves

10–12 slices

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🧾 Ingredients

Banana Cake

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar (packed)

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1½ cups (about 3–4) ripe mashed bananas

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk or buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional add-ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ½ cup chocolate chips

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Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt (optional, balances sweetness)

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🥣 Directions

1. Prepare the Pan & Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

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2. Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

   • Cinnamon

2. Set aside.

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3. Cream Butter & Sugars

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.

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4. Add Bananas & Liquids

1. Mix in mashed bananas until fully combined.

2. Add milk and vanilla extract; mix gently.

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5. Combine Wet & Dry

1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

2. Mix just until combined—do not overmix (this keeps the cake soft).

3. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.

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6. Bake

1. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.

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🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting

7. Make the Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.

3. Add vanilla extract (and salt if using).

4. Beat until fluffy and spreadable (about 2 minutes).

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8. Frost the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly on top using a spatula.

2. Optional garnish:

   • Banana slices (add just before serving)

   • Chopped nuts

   • Light cinnamon sprinkle

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✅ Tips for Best Results

• Use very ripe bananas (brown spots = more flavor).

• Don’t frost while warm or the frosting will melt.

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Let slices sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

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