Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Looking for a cozy, spiced dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or afternoon coffee breaks? This Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that will impress family and friends. Moist, naturally sweet bananas combine with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, while a tangy cream cheese frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

This cake is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to use overripe bananas. Its soft, tender crumb and fragrant aroma make it a true crowd-pleaser.

Active Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 ripe medium bananas, mashed (about 1¼ cups)

• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger, plus more for sprinkling

• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, plus more for sprinkling

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese (about ¾ cup), softened

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Gently fold in the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

5. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.

Make the Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).

2. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, then beat on high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes), scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Cake

- Ripe bananas matter: Choose bananas with large brown spots—they’re sweeter and softer.

- Soften your butter and cream cheese: Leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

- Cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.

Nutrition Notes

This cake balances indulgence with nutrition:

• Whole-wheat flour adds fiber for digestive health while keeping the cake soft and fluffy.

• Bananas provide essential B vitamins and potassium for energy and heart health.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and the aromatic spices creates a cake that’s both comforting and unique. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds just the right contrast to the sweetness, making each bite irresistible.

If you love banana desserts, you might also enjoy trying Banana Pudding for another delightful way to use bananas.