Name: Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons milk; 2 ½ cups powdered sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; fresh banana slices for topping, if desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re anything like me and secretly judge cake recipes by how effortlessly they come together in your busy kitchen, you’re going to adore this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s moist, full of banana flavor, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s not too sweet—perfect for when you want homemade comfort without fuss. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step so yours turns out just right, every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Moist Texture: Thanks to the browned butter and sour cream combo, this cake stays incredibly tender and rich.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need on hand already, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
The Best Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy but balanced with just enough sweetness to complement the banana flavor without overpowering it.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: I’ve brought this to potlucks and family dinners, and it disappears fast every time.

Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, moist banana cake, quick banana dessert, homemade banana cake recipe, simple frosting for cakes - A rectangular metal baking pan holds a banana cake cut into twelve square pieces, arranged in three rows and four columns. The cake has a dark brown base layer with a smooth, creamy off-white frosting spread evenly on top, featuring gentle swirls. Five of the squares have one or two thin banana slices neatly placed in the center, adding light yellow color with slightly darker spots. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a yellow-striped cloth and a whole banana partly visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the magic behind the ingredients in this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Each one plays its part in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Plus, I’ll share my little tips on picking the best versions to make your cake extraordinary.

Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, moist banana cake, quick banana dessert, homemade banana cake recipe, simple frosting for cakes - Flat lay of a stick of unsalted butter, a pile of granulated sugar, a heap of packed brown sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of sour cream, a few peeled mashed bananas forming a soft mound, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking soda, a small white bowl of salt, an unwrapped block of cream cheese, a small white bowl of vanilla bean paste, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and several fresh banana slices arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Browning it adds a nutty, caramel aroma that makes the cake extra flavorful—don’t skip this step, I promise it’s worth the little patience.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Combining these gives a balanced sweetness and moisture, with a hint of molasses from the brown sugar that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Eggs: Adds structure but also richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for smoother mixing.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, and if you have vanilla bean paste, even better for that deep, fragrant kick.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra moisture—this little ingredient keeps the cake from drying out.
Mashed bananas: The star of the show! Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together; sift it lightly if you want a fluffier texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise well—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Salt: Small but mighty, it enhances all the other flavors.
Cream cheese: The heart of the frosting’s creamy tang—soften it well for a smooth blend.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives your frosting that perfect texture.
Milk: Helps loosen the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency.
Fresh banana slices (optional): They make a gorgeous garnish if you want to go the extra mile.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

This is one of those recipes that’s great as-is, but I love tweaking it depending on my mood or the season. You should feel free to make it yours, too. Maybe you like your banana cake a little more spice-forward or prefer a lighter frosting—both are easy to do without changing the heart of this recipe.

Variation: I once added a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy twist—totally elevated the flavor and got rave reviews from friends!
Dairy-free option: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting if you’re catering to allergies.
Less sugary frosting: Cut down powdered sugar a little and add a splash of lemon juice for tangy brightness without too much sweetness.
Add-ins: Toss in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for texture and a little crunch. I did chocolate chips once, and trust me, it’s dreamy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Brown the butter to deepen flavor

I start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and swirl the pan occasionally. Within about 5-8 minutes, you’ll see the butter foaming, then turning a golden brown with nutty smells—it’s like kitchen magic. Be careful not to burn it! When it’s browned and fragrant, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step adds a rich, complex base to your banana cake that you’ll taste in every bite.

Step 2: Mix sugars, eggs, and flavor base

In a large bowl, I combine the cooled browned butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. I like to use my stand mixer or an electric hand mixer here—beat them together until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Next, I add the eggs (room temperature eggs blend more evenly) and vanilla extract. Mix just until incorporated. This wet mixture forms the backbone of a light but flavorful cake.

Step 3: Add bananas and sour cream for moisture

Now the magic ingredient: mashed bananas. I use about 3 ripe bananas, those spotted ones that are super soft and sweet. Add them along with sour cream and mix gently. Sour cream adds a subtle tanginess and keeps the cake tender. To get smooth batter, scrape down the sides of the bowl to mix everything evenly—this helps avoid any flour lumps later.

Step 4: Incorporate dry ingredients carefully

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt—this makes mixing easier and ensures even distribution. Then, add the dry ingredients a little at a time to the wet mixture, folding or mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough—remember, a few small lumps are okay!

Step 5: Bake and cool completely

Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch pan that you’ve sprayed with a flour-coating spray or greased well. Spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F for about 33-35 minutes. The best test? Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely in the pan before frosting. This step is crucial; frosting a warm cake will melt it and make it messy.

Step 6: Whip up the cream cheese frosting

For the frosting, beat the room-temp butter and softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Then add vanilla bean paste (or extract), milk, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whip until creamy and spreadable. If it’s too stiff, add a splash more milk; too thin, a bit more powdered sugar. Spread generously over the cooled cake with a spatula. For a pretty finish, I sometimes add thin banana slices on top just before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Brown Butter Don’t Rush: You’ll want to keep stirring and scanning to catch the perfect nutty stage—not too pale, not burnt; trust me, it makes a flavor world of difference.
Banana Ripeness Is Key: Wait until your bananas have lots of brown spots; underripe ones mean bland cake, overripe is perfect for sweetness and moisture.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: No matter how tempting, frosting a warm cake leads to a melty, messy situation; patience pays off.
Mixing Dry Ingredients Last: Adding the flour mixture gradually and mixing gently keeps the texture light and fluffy rather than dense.

How to Serve Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, moist banana cake, quick banana dessert, homemade banana cake recipe, simple frosting for cakes - A close-up of a square piece of cake with two layers, the bottom layer is a moist, light brown cake textured with small dark specks, and the top layer is creamy white frosting spread evenly with soft, smooth swirls. A thin round slice of banana sits in the middle of the top frosting. The cake is placed on a white plate with subtle speckled patterns and is set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another cake piece with similar layers and frosting, and several ripe yellow bananas out of focus. A fork rests on the plate near the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—fresh banana slices not only look pretty but reinforce the banana flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra texture and warmth. A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce can turn it into a decadent treat if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If I’m serving it as dessert, I like accompanying it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or celebrations, I’ve trimmed the edges for a clean look and piped the cream cheese frosting with a star tip to make swirls on top. Adding edible flowers or toasted coconut flakes turns it into a showstopper. Layering the cake with banana slices in between layers works great if you bake it in two round pans instead of one sheet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream cheese frosting needs refrigeration, and this cake stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly. Before serving leftovers, I let the slices come to room temperature so the flavors and texture really shine again.

Freezing

Freezing banana cake with cream cheese frosting can be tricky due to the frosting’s texture. I recommend freezing the cake layers separately without frosting, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and frost fresh before serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm slices, I pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and soften the cake but not melt the frosting. This makes each bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work great once thawed and mashed, just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too watery. This actually can intensify the banana flavor even more.
Is it okay to substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good swap. It provides similar moisture and tang, which helps keep the cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
How can I tell when the cake is perfectly baked?

The best way is the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. Don’t rely just on timer as oven temperatures can vary.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake?

You can! Just reduce baking time to about 18-22 minutes and keep an eye on them. The batter works the same way, and the cream cheese frosting is perfect for cupcakes too.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the frosting?

Leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before mixing, or microwave in 10-second bursts to soften without melting. Smooth, soft cream cheese blends best with the butter for that silky frosting.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become my go-to comfort bake anytime I have a few ripe bananas sitting on the counter. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug—moist, flavorful, and topped with that creamy frosting that makes every bite special. I hope you try it and love it as much as I do, whether it’s for a simple family dessert or an occasion where you want everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking, friend!