This Banana Cake is incredibly moist, fluffy, and packed with banana flavor, making it the best banana cake you’ll ever taste! Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because! With the right balance of sweetness, cinnamon, and buttery goodness, every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 1½ cups (345g) mashed bananas (about 4 medium or 3 large bananas)
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Directions
Make the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mash the bananas and set them aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream the butter & sugars: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter on high for 1 minute until smooth. Add both sugars and beat until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs & vanilla: Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Then, fold in the mashed bananas.
- Alternate dry ingredients & buttermilk: On low speed, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese & butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Nutrients (Per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Why This Banana Cake is a Must-Try Dessert
This banana cake stands out because it is ultra-moist without being heavy, perfectly sweetened without being overly sugary, and topped with a decadent frosting that complements rather than overpowers the cake.
What makes this banana cake so special is the combination of key ingredients that work together to create an unbeatable texture and taste. Mashed ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while cinnamon adds warmth and depth. The buttermilk keeps the cake light and fluffy, preventing it from becoming too dense.
If you love banana bread but want something softer, fluffier, and more cake-like, this recipe is for you!
The Key Elements of a Perfect Banana Cake
Ripe Bananas for Maximum Flavor
The bananas are the heart and soul of this cake, so choosing the right ones is crucial. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they are sweeter, softer, and more flavorful.
Using mashed bananas in the batter gives the cake a deep banana flavor without artificial extracts, ensuring that every bite bursts with natural sweetness.
If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, you can quickly ripen them by baking unpeeled bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwaving them for 30 seconds until they soften.
Buttermilk for Moisture and Lightness
One of the secret ingredients in this banana cake is buttermilk, which makes the cake incredibly moist while keeping the crumb light and fluffy. The slight tang of buttermilk enhances the banana flavor and prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1½ cups of milk with 1½ tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Cinnamon for Warmth and Depth
A small amount of ground cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the bananas and gives the cake a cozy, comforting aroma. While subtle, this addition brings out the warm, caramelized undertones of the bananas, making the cake even more irresistible.
The Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfectly Tangy and Sweet Finish
While banana cake is delicious on its own, the cream cheese frosting takes it to another level. This frosting is smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy, balancing the cake’s sweetness while adding a rich, luxurious finish.
Using full-fat cream cheese ensures the frosting is thick and spreadable, while a small pinch of salt enhances its flavor and prevents it from tasting overly sweet.
For an extra layer of indulgence, you can add a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even crushed walnuts on top of the frosting.
Serving Suggestions for Banana Cake
This cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you serve it as a dessert, a teatime snack, or even a special breakfast treat, it pairs beautifully with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- A drizzle of warm caramel or honey for added sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled over the frosting for crunch.
- Fresh banana slices on top for a decorative finish.
Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion
This banana cake is elegant enough for special celebrations but also simple enough for everyday enjoyment. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, as the flavors develop even more after a day in the fridge.
This cake is perfect for:
- Birthdays and celebrations – A classic cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday gatherings – A comforting, homey dessert that everyone will love.
- Potlucks and bake sales – Easy to transport and always a hit.
- Gifting – A homemade cake that makes for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Banana Cake
Using Under-Ripe Bananas
Bananas that are not fully ripe will lack sweetness and won’t mash as smoothly, resulting in a less flavorful and drier cake. Always use overripe bananas for the best results.
Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake. To keep it light and fluffy, mix until the ingredients are just combined—a few lumps are okay!
Not Greasing the Pan Properly
Banana cake has a tender crumb, so using parchment paper or thoroughly greasing the baking pan prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove.
Skipping the Cooling Process Before Frosting
If the cake is still warm when frosting is applied, the frosting will melt and slide off. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before spreading the frosting for the best texture and presentation.
How to Store and Keep Banana Cake Fresh
To keep your banana cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after chilling, making it an even better treat the next day!
If you want to freeze the cake, you can do so frosted or unfrosted. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Baking Collection
This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true bakery-style masterpiece, offering:
- A moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- A perfectly balanced banana flavor enhanced by cinnamon and buttermilk.
- A rich and creamy cream cheese frosting that complements every bite.
- Easy make-ahead storage options for busy bakers.
- A versatile dessert perfect for any celebration or casual indulgence.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best banana cake recipe, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate choice. With its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or just because, this cake is easy to make and even easier to love.
If you love banana-based desserts, this soft, fluffy, and perfectly frosted cake deserves a spot in your baking repertoire. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s considered the best banana cake ever!
