Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

 Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist cake bursting with banana flavor and topped with sweet brown butter cream cheese frosting.

 Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Growing up in my house, love was spelled B A N A N A – B R E A D! I didn’t think anything could compare to a warm piece of buttered banana bread. Turns out, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting compares and runs a tight race!

This easy banana cake is a baker’s delight! It’s quick to mix together and bake, but tastes like a million bucks! The Cream Cheese frosting has the perfect hint of browned butter which adds a touch of savory flair while embracing all the banana-cream cheese goodness! This is a great cake for parties, gatherings, or to enjoy all by yourself! No judgment here!

 Ingredients needed for Banana Cake

• 1/2 cup butter melted– I always use salted butter, which is what I keep on hand.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups mashed bananas (approx. 4 bananas) I like to mash my bananas at the beginning to really let their flavor develop. As with banana bread, the riper, the better.
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

 Ingredients needed for Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – I try to take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes prior to tossing it in with the butter. The mixer’s muscles will handle the rest and combine well.
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch salt
• up to 1/4 cup heavy cream- Do not add this all at once. Begin with small amounts of cream and add a little at a time until the frosting has reached your desired consistency. You can also use milk instead of heavy cream in the frosting, just note that you’ll need significantly less milk because it is much more thin in comparison to the heavy cream.

 How to make Banana Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9×9 square cake pan with non-stick spray.
2. Mash your bananas and set aside.
3. Using either an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar.
4. Add in the vanilla, eggs and mashed banana.
5. Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over mix.
6. Pour into prepared cake pan. Bake at 350° F for 25-30 minutes. It should pass the toothpick test before taking it out of the oven.
7. While the cake is baking, brown your butter for the frosting.
8. In a small sauce pan, heat your butter on low, stirring constantly until the color of the butter turns a golden brown and it gives off a nutty aroma. (Don’t get lost in the smell here. It’s amazing!)
9. Immediately transfer the brown butter to a cool bowl or container to stop the cooking so the butter doesn’t burn.
10. Allow the butter to sit until close to room temperature and then place in the fridge for approx. 30 minutes, or until the butter is almost back to its solid form.
11. Once the butter is back to being mostly solid, it is time to make the frosting. At this point, your cake should be out of the oven.
12. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the brown butter and cream cheese until mixed thoroughly.
13. Scrape the sides of the bowl and then alternate adding the remaining ingredients, adding a portion of the powdered sugar and then some liquid, letting the mixer go on low until the powdered sugar is completely incorporated before adding more.
14. Repeat this process until all of the ingredients have been added. You can adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding more heavy cream to this the frosting or more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.
15. Spread on top of your banana cake. (Thick layers= more love!) Slice and serve.

Can I make banana cake with cream cheese frosting without using eggs? – Apple sauce works great. Just replace ¼ cup apple sauce for every 1 egg.

What is the best way to store banana cake with cream cheese frosting? Store your Banana Cake in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

How long does banana cake with cream cheese frosting last in the fridge? Up to 5 days, but I bet it’ll be eaten before then!

Can I freeze banana cake with cream cheese frosting? Yes, the frosting will help keep the cake moist during thawing. Banana Cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with any other frosting for banana cake? Maple Butter Cream is delicious on this cake. Also, a thin Vanilla Glaze reduces the sweetness, but still adds enough sugary taste to keep your mouth happy and the banana flavor popping.

What variations can I make to the banana cake recipe with cream cheese frosting? Add 1/2 cup of walnuts as a topping or in the batter to add some crunch and texture. Or add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for the chocolate lovers.

You can double this recipe to make a 9×13 pan of the cake, or bake one recipe of cake in a 9×13 pan for a thinner layer. This makes the frosting to cake ratio a little more even.

More Banana Recipes you’ll love:

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Banana Cream Cheesecake

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins