Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious homemade dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, creamy coffee topping. With its soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and smooth espresso frosting, this cake is perfect for anyone who enjoys comforting baked treats with a little something extra.
The secret to this moist banana cake is the combination of mashed bananas and Greek yogurt, which keeps every bite wonderfully tender. The coffee cream cheese frosting adds a delightful balance of sweetness and bold espresso flavor without overpowering the bananas.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend dessert, or simply looking for a creative way to use overripe bananas, this easy banana cake recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this homemade banana cake.
- Soft and moist texture: Ripe bananas and Greek yogurt create an incredibly tender cake that stays moist for days.
- Delicious coffee flavor: The creamy espresso frosting adds a rich, slightly bold flavor that complements the sweet banana base.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe suitable for beginners and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for sharing: Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, this banana sheet cake makes enough for family gatherings, celebrations, and potlucks.
- No complicated decorating: A generous layer of cream cheese frosting is all you need for a beautiful homemade dessert.
- Wonderful served chilled: Refrigerating the cake gives the frosting a creamy, slightly firm texture that makes each slice especially satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 2–3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
For the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the bottom and sides are evenly coated to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for approximately 5 minutes, until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step helps create a soft cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Pour in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix in the Bananas and Yogurt
Add the mashed ripe bananas and plain Greek yogurt to the butter mixture.
Beat on low speed until combined. The batter may appear slightly uneven or curdled because of the bananas and yogurt, but this is completely normal.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing can make the finished cake dense instead of light and tender.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl.
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and instant espresso powder, mixing on low speed at first to prevent the sugar from scattering.
Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
Add the alcohol-free vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
For a stronger coffee flavor, use the full 2 tablespoons of espresso powder.
Step 9: Frost the Banana Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the coffee cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls in the frosting.
For cleaner slices and a firmer topping, refrigerate the frosted cake for approximately 30 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Slice and Enjoy
Cut the Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting into squares and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Each slice offers a wonderful combination of sweet banana flavor, warm cinnamon, and rich, creamy espresso frosting.
Tips & Tricks
Choose very ripe bananas.
Bananas with dark brown spots are ideal for baking because they are naturally sweeter, softer, and easier to mash. They also provide stronger banana flavor and help keep the cake moist.
Use room-temperature ingredients.
Allow the butter, eggs, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt to come closer to room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and creates a more consistent texture.
Measure the flour carefully.
For the best results, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife. Scooping directly from the flour container can pack in too much flour and produce a dry cake.
Avoid overmixing the batter.
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until the flour disappears. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cake tough.
Adjust the coffee flavor.
If you prefer a subtle coffee taste, begin with 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder. For a stronger espresso flavor, increase the amount to 2 tablespoons.
Use block-style cream cheese.
Full-fat block cream cheese produces a thicker frosting than spreadable cream cheese sold in tubs.
Let the cake cool completely.
Never spread cream cheese frosting over a warm cake. The heat can melt the frosting and make it runny.
Check for doneness early.
Start checking the cake after 28 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the type of baking pan used.
Chill before slicing.
Refrigerating the finished cake for 30 minutes helps the frosting set and makes it easier to cut neat squares.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28–33 minutes
Total Time: 48–53 minutes, excluding cooling and optional chilling
Cooling Time: Approximately 1 hour, or until completely cool
Optional Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15 slices
Serving Size: 1 slice
Category: Dessert, Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Baking Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Baking Pan: 9×13-inch baking dish
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, pork-free, and halal-friendly when prepared with alcohol-free vanilla flavoring and halal-suitable ingredients. Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.
Notes
Banana Ripeness
The riper the bananas, the better the flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Banana Quantity
Two large bananas create a slightly firmer cake, while three bananas provide a stronger banana flavor and a softer texture. Aim for roughly 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mashed banana.
Greek Yogurt Substitute
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, replace it with an equal amount of plain sour cream. Regular plain yogurt may also work, although it can make the batter slightly thinner.
Coffee Flavor Adjustment
Instant espresso powder provides a concentrated coffee flavor without adding unnecessary liquid to the frosting. Regular instant coffee granules can also be used, although the flavor may be milder.
Frosting Variation
For a classic cream cheese frosting, simply omit the espresso powder. You can also add a small pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Optional Toppings
Decorate the frosted cake with chopped walnuts, pecans, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or thin banana slices added just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cake tastes wonderful alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or cold milk. It also makes a delicious afternoon snack or dessert for family celebrations.
Nutrition
The following nutritional values are approximate and based on one slice when the cake is divided into 15 equal servings, including the coffee cream cheese frosting.
Calories: Approximately 490 kcal per slice
Protein: Approximately 5 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 65 g
Total Fat: Approximately 24 g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 14 g
Sugar: Approximately 47 g
Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 g
Sodium: Approximately 210 mg
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the size of the bananas, ingredient brands, frosting quantity, and serving portions.
FAQ
1. How do you make banana cake extra moist?
The key to making a moist banana cake is using very ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and properly softened butter. Bananas provide natural moisture and sweetness, while Greek yogurt helps create a tender crumb. It’s also important not to overmix the batter or bake the cake longer than necessary.
2. Can I make banana cake with coffee cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it covered in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated separately. Allow it to soften slightly before spreading.
3. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes. Regular instant coffee granules can replace instant espresso powder in the frosting. For the smoothest texture, crush the granules into a fine powder before mixing them with the cream cheese and butter. The flavor may be slightly less intense than espresso powder.
4. Why is my banana cake dense instead of fluffy?
A dense banana cake can result from overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or adding excessive mashed banana. For the best texture, measure ingredients accurately, cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, and mix the dry ingredients only until combined.
5. How do I keep coffee cream cheese frosting from becoming runny?
Use full-fat block cream cheese and softened butter that isn’t melted. Avoid adding too much liquid, and gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before spreading it over the cake.
6. Can I freeze banana sheet cake with cream cheese frosting?
Yes, banana sheet cake freezes well, even with cream cheese frosting. Place individual slices in the freezer until the frosting becomes firm, then wrap them tightly and transfer them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Storage
Refrigerator Storage
Because the frosting contains cream cheese, the finished cake should be stored in the refrigerator.
Place the cake in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Properly stored, the cake will remain fresh for up to 4 days.
For the best flavor and texture, remove individual slices from the refrigerator about 15–20 minutes before serving, if desired.
Freezer Storage
This banana cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
For convenient storage, cut the cake into individual slices and place them on a baking sheet until the frosting becomes firm.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and transfer the portions to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label the container with the freezing date.
Thawing Instructions
Transfer frozen cake slices to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight.
Once thawed, enjoy the cake chilled or let it stand briefly at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
This cake is best served cold or at a slightly cool room temperature.
Microwaving is not recommended because the cream cheese frosting can melt and lose its creamy consistency.
If you prefer a softer texture, allow the cake to sit outside the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before eating.
Avoid leaving cream cheese-frosted cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Similar Recipes
If you enjoy this easy banana cake recipe, you may also love these delicious homemade desserts.
Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking soda
- – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 3/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- – 2–3 large ripe bananas mashed
- – 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
For the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
- – 8 ounces 226 g cream cheese, softened
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- – 1–2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- – 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Make sure the bottom and sides are evenly coated to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for approximately 5 minutes, until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This step helps create a soft cake texture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix in the Bananas and Yogurt
- Add the mashed ripe bananas and plain Greek yogurt to the butter mixture.
- Beat on low speed until combined. The batter may appear slightly uneven or curdled because of the bananas and yogurt, but this is completely normal.
Step 6: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Mix on low speed until just combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing can make the finished cake dense instead of light and tender.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 28–33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: Prepare the Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting
- Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and instant espresso powder, mixing on low speed at first to prevent the sugar from scattering.
- Increase the mixer speed and beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the alcohol-free vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use the full 2 tablespoons of espresso powder.
Step 9: Frost the Banana Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the coffee cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls in the frosting.
- For cleaner slices and a firmer topping, refrigerate the frosted cake for approximately 30 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Slice and Enjoy
- Cut the Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting into squares and serve chilled or slightly cool.
- Each slice offers a wonderful combination of sweet banana flavor, warm cinnamon, and rich, creamy espresso frosting.
Notes
Conclusion
Banana Cake with Coffee Cream Cheese Frosting is a wonderful way to transform ripe bananas into a soft, flavorful homemade dessert. The tender banana cake, gentle warmth of cinnamon, and smooth espresso cream cheese topping create a delicious combination that’s both comforting and special.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced home cooks alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a family celebration, a weekend gathering, or an everyday sweet treat, the result is a moist, creamy, and satisfying cake.
Serve it chilled, share it with family and friends, and enjoy every delicious bite.