Moist Banana Cake Recipe

This Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopper dessert that combines a tender, extra-moist crumb with decadently tangy-sweet frosting. Each bite is bursting with real banana flavor and a cloud-like cream cheese layer, making it utterly irresistible for banana lovers and cake fans alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of making Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is that the magic comes from everyday, honest-to-goodness ingredients. Each one brings something special, from moisture to flavor to pure sweetness—so nothing is wasted or overly complicated.

• Ripe Bananas: The riper and spottier, the better! Overripe bananas infuse this cake with deep flavor and natural sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity keeps the bananas bright and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake while keeping the crumb soft and pillowy.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and ensures that signature light, tender texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the rich banana and buttery flavors.
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully in the oven.
• Butter: Gives the cake its incredible richness and keeps it melt-in-your-mouth moist.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise evenly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the banana flavor and adds warmth to both cake and frosting.
• Buttermilk: The secret to a super tender and moist crumb—plus a subtle tang!
• Cream Cheese: For frosting that’s dreamy, smooth, and just the right amount of tangy.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Turns the frosting into a perfectly spreadable, silky topping.

Variations

One of the beautiful things about this Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t hesitate to get creative or adjust the recipe for your family’s favorites and any dietary needs!

• Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and a classic banana bread vibe.
• Chocolate Banana Cake: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for an extra treat (and who doesn’t love chocolate and banana together?).
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend—just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute!
• Lighter Frosting: Try a whipped cream cheese frosting or even a vanilla bean glaze if you want a less rich, airier topping.

How to Make Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Start by peeling the ripest bananas you can find—those ultra-speckled ones hiding in your fruit bowl are perfect! Mash them until smooth, then stir in the lemon juice right away to keep the bananas bright and prevent browning. This simple combo is the first secret to bold banana flavor throughout the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agent and salt, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your largest mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and nearly doubled in volume—about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t rush here; this is what creates that ultra-light, irresistible crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the batter with warmth and sweetness that complements the banana notes.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour. Mix just until combined—over-mixing can make the cake dense. Finally, gently fold in the banana-lemon mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch pan. Smooth the top and bake in a preheated 275°F (135°C) oven for about one hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The gentle heat ensures the cake bakes evenly and stays moist.

Step 7: Chill for Extra Moisture

Here’s the most unusual (and brilliant!) part: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately place the entire pan in the freezer for 45 minutes. This trick rapidly cools the cake, locking in moisture and giving you that unbeatable tenderness.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake chills, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar. Start on low until combined, then whip on high until the frosting is airy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious frosting generously over the cooled cake. Cut into squares, serve, and watch every piece disappear—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to cake recipe!

How to Serve Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

This cake is beautiful on its own, but a finishing flourish always makes it extra special! Try scattering toasted chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or a light dusting of extra cinnamon over the frosted surface. A few banana chips or a drizzle of caramel also add a bakery-worthy flair.

Side Dishes

The sweet, creamy richness of Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mug of hot coffee or tea. For celebrations, serve with a fruit salad for a lively, colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing. Layered in glass jars with frosting for banana-cake parfaits is always fun (especially for picnics). For a birthday, a generous sprinkle of colorful confetti sprinkles adds festive charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps like a dream! Cover the Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4–5 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you’d like to make the cake ahead, you can bake and cool the cake (without frosting), wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge, then frost before serving. You can even freeze individual slices—just layer parchment between pieces for easy grabbing.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If frosted, be gentle with the heat so the cream cheese frosting stays luscious and doesn’t liquefy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cake that combines unbeatable moisture, real banana sunshine, and the most irresistible cream cheese frosting, this Moist Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is calling your name. Baking it feels like a treat in itself—and sharing a slice (or two) with loved ones is pure comfort. Give it a try, and watch it become the cake everyone requests again and again!

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