How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the indulgence of a luscious frosting. Moist and tender, the cake bursts with ripe banana sweetness and subtle warm spices, while the lightened cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy finish without overwhelming richness. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat, this cake strikes the ideal balance between wholesome and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet – Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture.
Moist and Tender – A soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
Lightened-Up Frosting – Creamy and tangy without excess calories.
Simple to Make – Uses everyday ingredients and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ⅓ cup powdered erythritol (or preferred sweetener)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp light butter, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or sugar substitute)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, applesauce, powdered erythritol, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined—do not overmix.

Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, light butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Cake
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

  • Use Very Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Don’t Overmix – Keep the batter light for a tender crumb.
  • Chill Frosting Slightly – If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading.
  • Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips – For extra texture and flavor, consider folding in walnuts or mini chocolate chips.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances wholesome ingredients with light sweetness, resulting in a banana bread cake that feels like a treat but is mindful of calories. The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of richness while keeping it light. The whole wheat flour and applesauce keep the cake moist and nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting offers the best of both worlds—comforting, moist cake with a creamy, tangy finish that’s lighter than traditional frostings. It’s a perfect dessert or snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.

How to Make Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

180

kcal

A moist, flavorful banana bread cake topped with a light cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients and simple steps for a deliciously satisfying dessert or snack.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:

  • 1½ cups whole wheat flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

  • ⅓ cup powdered erythritol (or preferred sweetener)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tbsp light butter, softened

  • ¼ cup powdered erythritol (or sugar substitute)

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Prepare the Oven and Pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, applesauce, powdered erythritol, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Combine Wet and Dry
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined—do not overmix.
  • Bake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
  • Prepare the Frosting
    In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, light butter, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Frost the Cake
    Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use Very Ripe Bananas – The riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture.
    Don’t Overmix – Keep the batter light for a tender crumb.
    Chill Frosting Slightly – If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading.
    Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips – For extra texture and flavor, consider folding in walnuts or mini chocolate chips.

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