A moist, fluffy banana cake topped with silky cream cheese frosting is a classic you can never go wrong with. This is not your average banana bread. It’s lighter, taller, and layered with a tangy-sweet frosting that brings everything together. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, tea-time, or just using up ripe bananas, this recipe delivers perfect results every time.
What Makes This Banana Cake Different?
This banana cake recipe uses buttermilk and oil for unbeatable softness, and it’s baked at a lower temperature to lock in moisture. The rich flavor comes from overripe bananas, while the cream cheese frosting adds a slight tang that balances the natural sweetness of the cake. It’s not overly dense, and every bite melts in your mouth.
Ingredients for Banana Cake
Make sure the bananas you use are overripe with dark spots. That’s when they’re the sweetest and most flavorful.
Dry ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tbsp vinegar)
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Banana Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13 inch rectangular pan. Lining helps in smooth removal and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside. Sifting helps to make the cake light and removes any lumps from the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars until creamy. Add the oil and beat again until light and fluffy. This gives the cake structure while keeping it moist.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 5: Mix in Mashed Bananas
Stir in the mashed bananas using a spatula or whisk. Do not overmix. The banana adds moisture and flavor, making the cake naturally sweet and aromatic.
Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk
Add half the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, then add the buttermilk. Stir gently, then fold in the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Tap them gently to release any air bubbles. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For a single large pan, bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Allow them to cool fully before adding frosting.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Beat Butter and Cream Cheese
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Add sifted powdered sugar gradually and continue beating. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
If using two layers, spread frosting between the layers, then over the top and sides. For a single cake, spread a generous layer of frosting over the surface. Smooth it out with a spatula or spoon.
Optional Additions
- Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Sprinkle with cinnamon powder or nutmeg
- Add banana slices just before serving for a fresh touch
Storage Tips
This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing.
Why This Is the Best Banana Cake
- Uses both butter and oil for balance of flavor and moisture
- Buttermilk creates a tender, soft crumb
- Not overly sweet, allowing the banana flavor to shine
- Tangy cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the cake base
- Beginner-friendly with bakery-style results
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or chai. This cake works well as a make-ahead dessert for celebrations or potlucks. You can also bake it as cupcakes for individual servings. Just reduce baking time to 20 to 22 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This banana cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and impress guests at the same time. It’s soft, flavorful, and topped with frosting that takes it to another level. Once you try this recipe, it’s likely to become your new go-to for banana desserts.
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