Sunny discovered the BEST Banana Cake while scrolling through Pinterest after noticing three overripe bananas on her counter. She usually made banana bread, but this cake looked softer, fluffier, and topped with thick cream cheese frosting. Sunny isn’t always confident baking layer cakes because she worries about dryness. Still, she mashed the bananas thoroughly, measured the flour carefully, and resisted overmixing. When she sliced into that tender, moist crumb and tasted the creamy frosting on top, she knew she’d found her go-to banana dessert.
The BEST Banana Cake is incredibly moist, rich in banana flavor, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting homemade dessert.
Table of Contents
Why This Is Truly the BEST Banana Cake
Incredibly Moist Texture
The secret to the BEST Banana Cake lies in using very ripe bananas. Overripe bananas with brown spots contain more natural sugar and moisture.
Additionally, combining butter and oil ensures a soft crumb that stays tender for days. Sour cream or buttermilk adds extra richness and keeps the cake fluffy.
Because you mix just until combined, the cake remains light instead of dense.
Rich Banana Flavor with Cream Cheese Frosting
Bananas provide natural sweetness and depth. A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
Meanwhile, cream cheese frosting adds tangy richness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
The result feels indulgent yet comforting.
Ingredients for the BEST Banana Cake
Ingredient List
This recipe serves 12–16.
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 1 1/2 cups (about 3–4 bananas) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Sour cream or buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting.
How to Make the BEST Banana Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
Mix in sour cream until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cake cool completely before frosting.
For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overmix the batter.
Use fully ripe bananas for best flavor.
Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
Serving and Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve the BEST Banana Cake
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Top with chopped walnuts if desired.
How to Store
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.
The BEST Banana Cake earns its title because it delivers unmatched moisture, rich banana flavor, and a perfectly balanced cream cheese frosting. Because you use overripe bananas and a mix of butter and oil, the crumb stays soft and tender for days. Meanwhile, sour cream adds extra richness that keeps the cake fluffy without feeling heavy.
Additionally, this cake works for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or simply using up ripe bananas in the most delicious way possible. When you avoid overmixing and allow the cake to cool completely before frosting, you guarantee bakery-quality results every time. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dessert, this truly is the BEST Banana Cake you’ll ever make.
The BEST Banana Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups ripe bananas mashed (about 3–4 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake and serve.