Delicious Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 large eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 tbsp lemon zest; 8 oz full-fat cream cheese; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup whole milk

Published: April 8, 2025

by Mia Hanry

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Banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that pairs the sweet, moist flavor of ripe bananas with a tangy, creamy topping. Imagine biting into a slice where the banana’s natural sweetness dances harmoniously with a zesty lemon finish, making your taste buds sing! This cake is perfect for birthdays, cozy family gatherings, or just an indulgent afternoon treat when you need a pick-me-up. Delicious caramel carrot cake. For more inspiration, check out this lemon poppy seed cake recipe.

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Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make It Together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?
How do I know when the banana cake is done?
Can I freeze banana cake with frosting?
📖 Recipe Card

I remember the first time I made this banana cake; my kitchen turned into a mini bakery filled with laughter and sweet aromas. Friends gathered as the cake baked, eagerly anticipating that first slice. The smiles on their faces when they tasted it were worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Lemon blueberry cupcakes Banana cake with fresh banana curd If you’re looking for a recipe that brings joy to any occasion, this banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting will do just that! You might also enjoy this fresh banana curd recipe recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This banana cake is so easy to make that even your cat could do it—if only they had thumbs.
The combination of flavors makes each bite an explosion of deliciousness.
Its beautiful golden hue topped with creamy frosting makes it a showstopper at any gathering.
Perfect for brunch or dessert, this cake adapts to any occasion beautifully.

Baking this banana cake has brought friends and family together, always eliciting oohs and aahs over its delectable flavor.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are freckled and soft for maximum sweetness and moisture in your cake.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works perfectly; just be sure to sift it for fluffiness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the right level of sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
Baking Soda: Essential for leavening; it helps your cake rise beautifully.
Eggs: Two large eggs will bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over salt levels; melt it before adding for easier mixing.
Lemon Zest: Fresh zest adds an aromatic citrus punch; make sure it’s finely grated.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, use full-fat cream cheese for rich consistency and flavor.
Powdered Sugar: This will sweeten your frosting without making it gritty; sift it for smoothness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all flavors beautifully; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess in both the cake and frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to ensure easy removal later.

Mash Those Bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash about three ripe bananas until smooth. The aroma of fresh bananas filling your kitchen is divine.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until well blended. This ensures even distribution of flavors.

Combine Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, eggs, and mashed bananas into your dry mixture. Mix until combined but don’t overdo it—lumps are okay!

Bake Your Cake Layers: Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool & Prepare Frosting: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. While cooling, mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.

Now you have all the steps needed to create this mouthwatering banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting! Just follow along closely and enjoy every moment while you bake! No bake lemon icebox pie.

You Must Know

This banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat.
The combination of sweet bananas and tangy lemon brings a refreshing twist to traditional desserts.
Plus, it’s perfect for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mashing ripe bananas until smooth, then mix with wet ingredients before adding dry ingredients for a consistent batter.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture, making the cake uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store the banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in your cake.
Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your cream cheese frosting.

The first time I made this banana cake, my friends devoured it within minutes, leaving me wondering if I should have made two!

FAQs