This ultra-moist banana cake is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting—the perfect cross between classic banana bread and a decadent dessert!
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240g) mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (or milk)
(Optional: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Banana Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream butter + sugar until fluffy (~3 mins).
- Beat in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas.
- Pour into prepared pan; bake 25-35 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make the Frosting
- Beat butter + cream cheese until smooth.
- Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and cream; whip until creamy.
- Spread over cooled cake.
3. Serve!
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
FAQs & Tips
Q: Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
✅ Yes! Plain Greek yogurt works well.
Q: How ripe should bananas be?
➡️ Very ripe (black spots = sweeter flavor!).
Q: Can I make this in layers?
✅ Yes! Use two 9-inch round pans; bake 20-25 mins.
Q: How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: Up to 5 days (cover tightly).
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (frosting may separate slightly when thawed).
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
➡️ Reduce to 1 cup sugar in the cake, but frosting will still be sweet.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair with:
- Hot coffee or chai tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh banana slices
🎉 Perfect for:
- Potlucks
- Birthday parties
- Weekend brunch
Nutrition (per piece): ~320 kcal | Servings: 18
This banana cake is tender, moist, and perfectly balanced by the tangy frosting—comfort food at its finest! 😍
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter! 🌰
