Name: Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mashed over-ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 ⅛ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt; 4 oz applesauce; 1 cup whole milk; ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 12 oz (1 ½ packages) cream cheese, softened; 5 ½ cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt

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If you’re on the hunt for a truly show-stopping dessert that brings a cozy, comforting vibe to any occasion, look no further than the Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake is not just any banana cake—it’s a moist, tender masterpiece layered with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or indulging solo, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a rich, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the top left sits a single golden brown cake layer cooling on a black wire rack. Below it is a small white bowl containing three rectangular sticks of pale yellow butter. To the right of the butter, there is a large transparent glass bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar. Below the powdered sugar bowl, a white plate holds two blocks of smooth, creamy white cream cheese, one larger and one smaller piece stacked slightly. Near the center bottom of the image are three small metal bowls holding dark brown vanilla extract, light brown ground cinnamon, and white salt, each with fine textures. The overall setup is clean and organized for baking preparation, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in this cake. From the ripe bananas that impart natural sweetness and moisture to the creamy frosting that brings a gentle cinnamon kick, these components are simple yet essential.

1 cup mashed over-ripe bananas: The soul of the cake, adding sweetness and incredible moisture.
2 teaspoons lemon juice: Brightens the banana flavor and prevents browning.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and body for a fluffy crumb.
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a tender rise.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
2 ⅛ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve that golden crust.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
½ cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt: Adds tang and keeps the cake moist.
4 oz applesauce: Boosts moisture while reducing the need for extra fat.
1 cup whole milk: Balances the batter for perfect texture.
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: A dreamy blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt that brings everything together.

How to Make Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your cakes come out cleanly and bake evenly—a key first step for a flawless result.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In one bowl, combine the mashed bananas with lemon juice; this combo amplifies the banana flavor while keeping it fresh-looking. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt—your dry ingredients ready to be folded into the wet mixture for that perfect texture.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

Use a large bowl to cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this process incorporates air to create a tender crumb. Then, add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next for a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combining Everything for the Batter

Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and applesauce to add depth of flavor and moistness. Then alternate folding in the flour mixture and whole milk gently, followed by the banana-lemon mixture. This careful folding maintains the batter’s airiness and moisture balance.

Step 5: Baking the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans—about 2 ½ cups per pan—and bake them for 40 to 50 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean when the cakes are ready.

Step 6: Cooling the Cake

Here’s a neat trick from the recipe: place the hot pans directly into the freezer right after baking. Be mindful of your surface to avoid any damage! This step quickly cools the cakes, stops the cooking process, and keeps the cake incredibly moist. Allow them to chill for 30 to 40 minutes before frosting.

Step 7: Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt, starting on low speed and ramping up to high. The result is a creamy, perfectly spiced frosting that’s simply irresistible.

Step 8: Assembling the Cake

Layer each cake round with a generous scoop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting between layers. Then cover the entire cake with frosting to your liking. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon around the outside. Store your cake in the fridge until it’s time to serve—this helps the frosting set beautifully.

How to Serve Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a tall three-layer round cake on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each cake layer is light brown with dark small specks, separated and covered by smooth, creamy beige frosting. The cake is fully coated with the same frosting on all sides and top, with gentle swirls visible on the surface. A slice is cut out, showing the inner layers clearly, and the top edge of the cake has a light dusting of cocoa powder. A metal cake server rests under the cut slice, and there are blurred bananas and a small jar with a cork in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider topping your cake with a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon or some finely chopped toasted walnuts for crunch. A few banana chips on the edges can also add a delightful crunch while announcing the star ingredient with style.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs marvelously with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive vibe, add edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder on top. If you’re bringing the Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to a party, consider serving it in individual slices wrapped with a cinnamon stick tied around each piece for a charming rustic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover banana cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can stay delicious for up to 4 days, though it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either whole (well wrapped) or cut into slices. Freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Banana cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature due to the cream cheese frosting, but if you prefer it warm, simply microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the crumb without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas work wonderfully once thawed and mashed—they often become even sweeter and more flavorful, perfect for this cake.

Is there a substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that delivers the same tanginess and moisture without affecting the texture.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Definitely! This recipe yields about 26 standard cupcakes. Fill liners ¾ full and bake at 350°F for roughly 20 minutes. Don’t forget the delicious frosting on top!

Why do I need to put the cake pans in the freezer after baking?

This quick chilling method halts the baking process immediately, preserving moisture and ensuring your cake layers stay tender and moist.

How spicy is the cinnamon in the frosting?

The cinnamon adds a warm, gentle spice that complements the sweetness without overpowering it, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the cake.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Best Banana Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough—it’s truly a standout dessert that feels special but comes together with everyday ingredients and an easy method. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or a cozy gathering, this cake brings joy with every bite, rich with comforting flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorites too!