This Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is a blissful combination of soft, moist cake and luscious, silky topping. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a tender crumb, while the cream cheese frosting enriched with real caramel adds a delightful depth and richness. The cake is easy to whip up in a single bowl, and its golden hue and aromatic spice make it a comforting treat for any time of year.
Perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or cozy weekends, this cake never fails to impress. It slices beautifully, holds together well, and stores like a dream—making it ideal for make-ahead desserts. Whether served as a casual snack or a fancy plated dessert with extra caramel drizzle, this banana cake stands out for both flavor and visual appeal. It’s a dessert that tastes as good as it looks, and one you’ll return to again and again.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
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1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup buttermilk
For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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½ cup prepared caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and mashed bananas until combined.
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Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk into the banana mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
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Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in caramel sauce and a pinch of salt until smooth.
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Spread frosting over the cooled cake and drizzle with extra caramel before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Why This Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting Is a Must-Bake Dessert
When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing desserts, few things can compare to the nostalgic aroma and rich taste of a homemade banana cake. This Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is not just another banana cake—it’s an elevated version of a classic, combining tender, moist banana crumb with a luscious caramel-infused cream cheese frosting that adds depth and decadence to every bite.
The foundation of this cake lies in the ripe bananas. Overripe bananas that are too mushy for eating raw are actually perfect for baking. They add natural sweetness, reduce the need for excess sugar, and create a tender crumb that keeps the cake moist for days. This recipe celebrates those overripe bananas you don’t want to waste, turning them into something magical.
But what really sets this banana cake apart is the frosting. While cream cheese frosting is a beloved companion to banana and carrot cakes alike, the addition of caramel sauce gives it a rich, buttery dimension that’s both indulgent and balanced. The caramel is not overpowering—it melts into the tangy cream cheese to create a smooth, slightly salty-sweet topping that complements the banana cake perfectly.
Background and Inspiration
Banana cake has a long tradition in home baking, especially in countries where bananas are a staple. Unlike banana bread, which tends to be denser and more rustic, banana cake is designed to be softer, lighter, and more suitable for frosting and presentation. The cake’s popularity grew with the rise of home baking during the 20th century, especially in North America where bananas became a widely available fruit.
This particular version is inspired by Southern American baking traditions that love layering richness—like buttery caramel and cream cheese—with naturally sweet ingredients like bananas. The result is a Southern-style comfort dessert that feels luxurious yet accessible.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several reasons this banana cake recipe is superior to others:
1. Ultra-moist texture:
Thanks to a combination of mashed ripe bananas, buttermilk, and butter, this cake stays soft and tender even after a few days. The use of both brown and white sugars also contributes to the cake’s depth of flavor and moisture content.
2. Balanced sweetness:
Unlike many banana cakes that can become overly sugary, this one achieves a sweet-but-not-cloying balance. The bananas provide natural sugars, while the slight tang of the cream cheese and the salty richness of caramel create the perfect contrast.
3. Easy to make:
This cake requires no stand mixer or complicated techniques—just basic mixing, layering, and baking. It’s a foolproof cake even beginner bakers can master.
4. Ideal for all occasions:
Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a potluck, a holiday gathering, or just a Sunday dessert, this cake fits the bill. You can dress it up with extra caramel drizzle and nuts or serve it plain for a casual treat.
5. Customizable:
You can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or even turn it into a layer cake for special occasions. The recipe also works beautifully in cupcake form.
Nutritional Value and Benefits
While this is certainly a dessert, it comes with a few hidden benefits:
- Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and natural sugars that provide energy. They also contain fiber that supports digestion.
- Cream cheese adds protein and calcium, while providing a creamy texture without needing whipped cream or heavy buttercream.
- The caramel sauce, though indulgent, can be controlled in sweetness and quantity. You can opt for homemade or low-sugar varieties.
And let’s not forget—baking this cake is a form of self-care. The process of measuring, mixing, baking, and frosting can be incredibly therapeutic. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is worth it alone.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Storage Tips
This banana cake holds up incredibly well. In fact, many bakers say it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it:
- In the fridge: Covered for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Tightly wrapped slices can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw and enjoy.
The frosting also firms up slightly in the fridge but stays creamy and spreadable, making it easy to serve at any time.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm drink. Serve it with:
- Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
- Spiced chai latte or black tea
- A glass of milk or oat milk for a kid-friendly option
Want to elevate the presentation for guests? Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side, a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion: The Dessert That Brings Everyone to the Table
This Banana Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a dessert—it’s a heartwarming experience. It brings together the homely charm of banana cake with a gourmet twist from the caramel-infused frosting. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or just looking for a delicious way to use up overripe bananas, this cake will exceed your expectations.
It’s simple to make, visually stunning, and incredibly satisfying. With its moist texture, irresistible frosting, and nostalgic banana flavor, this cake is destined to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. One bite and you’ll understand why this combination is so beloved. It’s the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and joy.