Go Back
Moist banana cake square with cream cheese frosting in a glass baking dish

Banana Cake Recipe

Ella
This banana cake is ultra moist, rich in bold banana flavor, and topped with silky cream cheese frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Banana Cake

  • 1.5 cups mashed ripe bananas about 4 medium or 3 large bananas
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups buttermilk room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz full-fat block cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted, plus extra 1/4 cup if needed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.125 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.
  • Mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Measure exactly 1.5 cups and set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth. Add white sugar and brown sugar. Beat until light and creamy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Mix in mashed bananas until combined.
  • On low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  • Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  • For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy. Adjust thickness with extra powdered sugar if needed.
  • Spread frosting over cooled cake. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.

Notes

Use very ripe, heavily spotted bananas for the strongest flavor. If frosting feels too soft, add an extra 1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat again. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cake can be frozen frosted or unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Sugars: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Keyword bakery style banana cake, banana cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, easy banana dessert, moist banana cake