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Moist banana cake slice with cream cheese frosting and fresh banana slices on top.

The Best Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This moist Banana Cake is packed with sweet banana flavor and topped with smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. It is an easy homemade dessert perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or using up overripe bananas.

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 15
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Banana Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas, about 4 medium bananas (345 g)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (4 g)
  • 1 tsp baking sodanulated sugar (5 g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170 g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (30 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature (360 ml)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces full-fat block cream cheese, softened (226 g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1/8 tsp salt
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh banana slices
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

  • 1 9 × 13-inch baking pan
  • 1 Parchment paper
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Medium mixing bowl
  • 1 Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Rubber spatula
  • 1 Fork or potato masher
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pan

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Alternatively, grease the pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour.

  2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

  3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

  4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and combined.

  5. Add the Bananas

    Mash the overripe bananas in a separate bowl. Add them to the butter mixture and mix until evenly incorporated.

  6. Finish the Batter

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition, only until no visible streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.

  7. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

  8. Cool Completely

    Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

  9. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

    Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

  10. Frost and Decorate

    Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Decorate with fresh banana slices, chopped walnuts, or pecans, if desired. Cut into 15 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and moistest texture.
  • Measure the mashed bananas for the most consistent results because banana sizes can vary.
  • Make sure the butter, eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour, or the cake may become dense.
  • The cake must be completely cool before adding the cream cheese frosting.
  • Add fresh banana slices shortly before serving to prevent them from turning brown.
  • Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.