Best Ever Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Ultra-Moist and Irresistible

If you’re searching for a dessert that truly lives up to its name, this Best Ever Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is it. Incredibly moist, soft, and packed with rich banana flavor, this cake is finished with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness.

The unique step of chilling the cake after baking locks in moisture, making every bite tender and decadent. It’s ideal for gatherings, potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake

• Extremely moist texture thanks to ripe bananas and freezer chilling

• Rich, tangy cream cheese frosting

• Perfect balance of sweetness and flavor

• Easy to make in a 9×13 pan for sharing

This recipe is a keeper you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

Banana Cake

• 1½ cups ripe bananas, mashed

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup butter, softened

• 2⅛ cups sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 1½ cups buttermilk

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 3½ cups icing sugar

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped walnuts

Directions

For the Cake

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare bananas
   In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice. Set aside.

3. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

4. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add eggs and vanilla
   Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

6. Combine batter
   Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing gently. Stir in the banana mixture.

7. Bake
   Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Chill for moisture
   Remove cake from oven and place directly into the freezer for 45 minutes. This step ensures exceptional moisture.

For the Frosting

1. Cream base
   Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.

2. Add vanilla and sugar
   Beat in vanilla. Add icing sugar and mix on low speed until combined, then on high speed until smooth and creamy.

3. Frost the cake
   Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired.

Tips for the Best Banana Cake

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.

• Do not skip the freezer step—it makes a noticeable difference in moisture.

• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

• For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before garnishing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why bake at such a low temperature?

The lower temperature allows the cake to bake evenly and remain incredibly moist.

Can I skip the freezer step?

You can, but the freezer step significantly improves moisture and texture.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes. Freeze unfrosted or frosted cake for up to 3 months.

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes. Bake at 275°F and check for doneness around 30–35 minutes.