Easy Banana Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is our favorite banana cake recipe. It starts with a box cake mix but you would not know it because it tastes better than scratch cake.
Banana cake is my family’s favorite desserts. In fact it is our favorite way to eat bananas. This Easy Banana Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a take off from my late mother-in-law’s banana cake. My mother-in-law was a no nonsense kind of cook. She was one of nine children brought up during the depression and she was also the mother of six children. Betty would cook all of the family meals on a budget and she learned quickly what worked and what did not. Her banana cake became a family favorite and tradition.
It is a cheater cake but it tastes better than any banana cake I have ever had or made from scratch. So you ask what is a cheater cake. I call cakes that use a box mix with add ins cheater cakes. Let me tell you that there really is a place for these kind of cakes. They are quick to come together, amazingly dependable and are absolutely delicious.
Again I repeat myself, I have tried baking many banana cakes from scratch without even coming close to the deliciousness in this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. I have even proposed taste tests for family and friends and hands down every time this cake comes out the winner. This delicious beauty can be prepped and in the oven in about ten to fifteen minutes. The icing only takes about five minutes to whip up and tastes heavenly.
How to make Easy Banana Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Whisk together the dry ingredients; cake mix, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add water, oil and eggs as directed on box. Stir in mashed bananas. Bake in greased pan. For the frosting cream butter and cream cheese. Beat in vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Ice cake when completely cooled. If desired top with chopped pecans. It is just that simple.
Tips for making this Easy Banana Cake!
- Always preheat your oven and bake the cake in the center of the oven.
- Grease and flour your baking dish well. I love Baker’s Joy which is a non stick baking spray with flour.
- Use over-ripe bananas. Brown mushy bananas make a more flavorful moist cake.
- If you really love cinnamon go hog wild and use a whole teaspoon.
- Experiment with different cake mixes like butter pecan and spice.
- Do not over-bake the cake. Start testing with the toothpick at 35 minutes.
- The frosting can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Other delicious banana recipes you will love!
Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
I have tried baking many banana cakes from scratch without even coming close to the deliciousness in this Easy Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12
- Category: cake
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Banana Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of cloves
- Water, oil and eggs (that are listed on the box)
- 3 large over-ripe bananas mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 1 box (8 ounces) cream cheese softened
- 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- Optional: 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 pan.
- In large bowl whisk together dry box mix, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Add water, oil and eggs as directed on box. With mixer on medium speed or beat vigorously by hand for 2 minutes. Stir in mashed bananas.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- In medium bowl using mixer cream butter and cream cheese. Beat in vanilla extract. Beat in powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time. Spread over cooled cake. If using top with chopped pecans.
- Store cake in refrigerator.
Notes
- Always preheat your oven and bake the cake in the center of the oven.
- Grease and flour your baking dish well. I love Baker’s Joy which is a no stick baking spray with flour.
- Use over-ripe bananas. Brown mushy bananas make a more flavorful moist cake.
- If you really love cinnamon go hog wild and use a whole teaspoon.
- Experiment with different cake mixes like butter pecan and spice.
- Do not over-bake the cake. Start testing with the toothpick at 30 minutes.
- The frosting can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Keywords: easy banana cake recipe, banana cake with cream cheese frosting, banana nut cake, best banana cake recipe
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barbara baskin
Made your cake today but added banana cream pudding mix and walnuts to the cake. It came out so moist and delicious.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Barbara! Thanks for the tips on the pudding mix.
Rebecca Whiting
I have made this several times for our Community Center’s lunches. It is always a hit. I use spice cake mixes and don’t change anything else about the recipe! Delicious!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Rebecca! I am so glad that you like the banana cake!
Joan
For high altitude read the box instructions at the bottom for high altitude
Cherise Lane
Hi there!
I live at a high altitude and have a heck of time baking things, they rarely come out moist and fluffy. Any idea if any tweaks are needed for this recipe for someone at high altitude? Thanks in advance!
Beth Pierce
Not sure since I do not live at high altitude. Let’s hope the readers have some good ideas.
Annette
Hi there I live in a high altitude area, I followed the recipe exactly and it was PERFECT!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Glad it worked out for you, Annette!
Rudi Hill
This is the absolute best banana cake EVER!!!
The End.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Rudi! Best comment ever!
Eddie
Agreed! I’ve made many times & Husband and I love it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Eddie! I am glad that you and your husband like it!
Laura
Holy Cow!! This is one of the best cake recipes I have ever made. Full of flavor and beyond moist. Thank you so much for sharing. This will forever be my go to from now on!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Laura! So glad that you liked it! We love it too!!
Dena Daisa
Hi. We are just days away from Thanksgiving 2021! Was wondering how long I can store this recipe in the fridge before Thanksgiving day…? TIA and Happy Holidays!
Beth Pierce
Happy Thanksgiving to you! Make the cake portion up to two days in advance. Then I would make the frosting and frost the cake no more than a day in advance. Store both steps in the fridge.
Julie
This is the best banana cake EVER!! It really does live up to its name…EASY Banana Cake! I do add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans to the batter and I toast all the pecans for both the cake and topping. Also, I double the spices just because I like them. I made this cake 3 times in one month for a variety of occasions. It’s been a hit and I’ve been asked for the recipe more than once!! Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is awesome! Thanks so much Julie! So glad that you liked it! 😉
Vee
What do you suggest “bakers” do to get great results since the cake mixes on the grocery shelves are now packaged in 15.25 oz. size and no longer 16.25 oz.?
Beth Pierce
Honestly I think it will be just fine. That is such a small difference when it comes to a cake.
Michelle Flory
Can I make this as a 2 or 3 layer birthday cake? As it needs to be on the lighter side should I use just 2 bananas?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can make this into a layer cake. You might need to 1 1/2 times the frosting. I am not sure what you mean by it needs to be on the lighter side?
Madeline A Ferdinardo
Can I use white cake mix
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
Shashi
Yum – such a tasty and well flavored banana cake – cannot wait to try a slice with a hot cup of tea.
Maria
Banana cakes are one of my absolute favorites! This recipe is a great way to level it up!
★★★★★
Jen
Yum! We love bananas here and I can’t wait to make this! My family is going to love this recipe! So excited!
★★★★★
Toni
This is SO good!! Always a hit at my house!
★★★★★
Pam Greer
What a great way to turn a boxed cake mix into an amazing cake!! My whole family loves this!
★★★★★
Crystal Harman
Has anyone made cupcakes or muffin size with this ??
Stacy
Yes! I made this recipe into cupcakes for a wedding. Baked about 18 min or until the toothpick comes out clean. I also added a little touch of spiced rum & browned the butter to the frosting mix. Gave it a bananas foster vibe. Soo delicious and everyone loved it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tips, Stacy! I am glad that everyone loved them!
Alison
I’m a huge fan of banana cake! This one has great flavor and such a light and fluffy frosting!
★★★★★
Heidy
Easy Banana Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting has to be one of my favorite go-to desserts. I love the flavor and how moist the cake is. A keeper for sure! Happy New Year!
★★★★★
rika
Perfect timing! I have 3 bananas in my kitchen that I can use to make this recipe!
★★★★★
Andrea Metlika
Just watched the video and Wow, this is super easy to make. Definitely can’t wait to taste this awesome cake!
★★★★★
Sheryl Barnes
What did I do wrong, as I am writing this it is running all over my oven
Beth Pierce
Sorry to hear that. I have never had any problems or complaints on this cake.
Jennifer
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! My 1st banana cake is a smashing success thanks to you! I made it exactly how it is written and WOW! Absolutely the best I have ever had. Taking some to my dad at 10 pm-it is that good 🙂
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jennifer! So glad that you liked it! I hope your Dad likes it too!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jennifer! So glad that you liked it. I hope that your Dad likes it too!
Marcia
On my. I have white cake mix on hand. Do you think it will be good made with white mix? Thank you.
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have not tried it. Let us know if you do and how it turns out.
Mary
I made this using a gluten free yellow cake mix. I let the batter sit for 30 minutes before baking, as I usually do with a gluten free mix, and it turned out wonderful! Best GF banana cake ever! This will be my go to recipe from now on.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Awesome Mary! So glad that you liked it and that you were able to adapt it to your needs!!
Elizabeth V
My Mom just asked for a special cake request for her birthday next week. She wants banana cake with chocolate frosting. I would absolutely love to make it with the cream cheese frosting but I can’t say no to mom! How do you think this combo would turn out with your cake recipe?
Beth Pierce
I think it would taste great. I love the idea!
Liz
Can I bake this cake in a Bundt pan?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can as long as it is a standard bundt pan.
Megan
I’m planning on using your recipe to make banana cake for my son’s birthday. Any idea how many cups of batter this makes? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
I am not 100% sure however a 9×13 inch pan holds about 15 cups.
Megan
Made the cake today and it was delicious. The recipe made about 5 cups of batter, in case that helps anyone in the future. It made a two layer 8” round cake (with about 2” layers) for me. Thanks for the great recipe!
Jennifer k stepanek
This cake was perfection! I only had 2 very ripe bananas on hand, and no nutmeg. I used 1 tsp of cinnamon, and those were the only changes. My family loved it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you and your family enjoyed it! We love it too!
Bonee
Have you ever added walnuts & chocolate chips to the recipe.
Beth Pierce
No but that sounds delicious. I would spray the chocolate chip with a little pam (nonstick baking spray) and coat with a little flour so they stay suspended and don’t sink.
Nancy
Anyone ever try it with a spice cake mix?
Nancy
My name is also Nancy and have a spice cake mix that was I wondering if it would go great. This comment make me do a double take?
Nancy
It worked great. I added a little extra banana as it seemed to need it (3 1/2 large or 4 medium). Yeah. I’m bad and tasted it before cooking. I’m a rebel. 🙂
Beth Pierce
LOL! What a rebel you are!
Rose
I made this banana cake for my family today and they absolutely loved it !! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Rose. So glad that they liked it!!
Yaya
Made this last night, your recipe calls for 40 minutes of bake time. Mine was overcooked at 30 minutes. Any suggestions?
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delayed response. I wonder if it could have something to do with the size of the bananas or the cake mix. I am going to add a note to the recipe.
Kaitelynn
I really liked this recipe! My dad requested a banana cake for his birthday this year and after reading through lots of recipes and comments I decided this was the best reviewed. The cake was a hit! Very moist and had a wonderful flavor! My only critique was it was more dense than I would prefer for cake. Any tips on how to make it less dense?
Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! Glad that you liked it and happy birthday to your Dad! Is it possible that it was over-mixed?
Barb
I just made this cake for a Celebration of Life at our American Legion Post 83 yesterday. Everyone loved it! Not only loved it, but raved about it! I’m hoping against hope that there’s a piece left when I go back for a meeting tonight! But I think I might have to make another for us!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! You made my day. I am so glad that everyone loved it!
Tammy
This is a keeper! Agree with others 28 minutes was perfect timing. I took it to church and even the crumbs were scraped together and eaten, Thank you.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Tammy! So glad that you liked it!
Sherry Logsdon
I think a bigger pan would be better. I had to bake it for an hour to get it done. Also, there wasn’t enough room for the frosting.
★★★★
Byenia
I made this recipe last night in 3 loaf tins (2 to give away as gifts this holiday season), and the cake tastes amazing! Didn’t have cloves so omitted them, used coconut oil in place of vegetable oil, and upped the bananas to 4. Also, I did reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup and increased the butter by 2 tbsp. in the frosting portion of the recipe. Toasted the pecans before adding to the top. Such a tasty recipe! 🙂
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Byenia! I am so glad that you liked it. Thanks for the all the tips.
patch
Had some over-ripe bananas I wanted to use up, but didn’t feel like the usual banana bread, so tried this recipe after looking at many others. I made a 9×13 Betty Crocker ‘Golden’ cake mix. I was a bit worried about the ‘cloves’ as I didn’t like the smell of them, but once mixed in and baked, it wasn’t noticeable. I was thinking the mix was too liquidy/runny when I poured it into the pan and wondered if it would bake properly, but it baked and rose fine. Everyone enjoyed it. Was nice and light like cake, which is what I was seeking as opposed to the heavier textured banana bread or muffins. It had a definite banana smell and flavor. The cream cheese frosting was way too sweet for me (although I had used same recipe in the past and loved it – my tastes have changed, so have to find less sweet frostings to make!), couldn’t eat it, but others enjoyed it! Next time I will try it using ‘white’ or french vanilla cake mix instead.
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad that your friends liked it. Yes my taste buds are changing a little too. I used to be able to eat everything sweet but not it hurts my teeth sometimes.
Cindy Fine
So delicious Beth, Thanks for another wonderful recipe! I brought this into work today and everyone is raving about it. My VP said I should keep this at the top of my list.
★★★★★
Victoria Frazier
I made this for some girls at work, they loved it, I had never made bannana cake. Great recipe ?
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Victoria! I am so glad that you and your co-workers enjoyed it!
jacque
Anyone who loves bananas will love this! To be honest I would just eat the frosting 😉
★★★★★
Megan
I love how easy and tasty this recipe is! Perfect for all of our summer get-togethers!
Jade Manning
This really is a sweet treat!
★★★★★
Katerina
I would LOVE a slice of this incredible cake!! And that frosting…YUMMMM!!!!
★★★★★
Sara
What a savory dessert for after dinner! I know what I will be making tonight! This looks amazing!
★★★★★
Jocelyn
Banana is seriously one of my favorite cakes to make! I love the banana flavor. It is for reals amazing.
Farm_mama87
I had some organic yellow cake mix I got from Grocery Outlet that I wanted to try something different with. I also had a few brown bananas awaiting their destiny. Cream cheese frosting is my favorite because I dont like super sweet frosting. When I stumbled across this recipe it was a perfect match. I’ve made it twice now and I used coconut oil for the oil in the recipe. It’s a wonderful recipe!! Very easy to throw together and tastes better than scratch. I saved it and will definitely use it again. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you liked it. We love it too! I will have to try the coconut oil. Some people don’t like the taste of coconut oil but I love it.
Sam
LOVE that you used cake mix. Such a timesaver for such a delicious cake. SO GOOD!
★★★★★
Toni
My family loved it! A new favorite dessert in our house!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Toni! I am glad that you liked it!!
Liz
This combo is phenomenal!! And so easy to make, too!
★★★★★
Sommer
The addition of the cream cheese frosting really takes this cake over the top good!
★★★★★
alyssa
This is delish! Made it for book club and it got devoured!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Alyssa! So glad that they liked it!
Katie
Yum- what a decadent treat! And who can say no to cream cheese frosting??
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
I agree Katie! Delicious!
Julie
Can’t wait to make this! I love banana cake.
★★★★★
Lindsay Cotter
I love how easy this is to make! The banana flavor is so awesome!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Lindsay! We love it too!
Becky
Do you know how long I should bake it in a bundt pan?
Beth Pierce
No I have not tried it a bundt pan.
Sandra
I’m away & don’t have baking soda. Do u think it will be nessasary?
Beth Pierce
Yes baking soda helps keep the bananas for settling in the bottom of the cake.
Pat
This cake looks delicious and I am going to make. Can it be frozen?
Beth Pierce
You can freeze the cake but I think I would make the cream cheese frosting fresh. I know a lot of ladies who do freeze cream cheese frosting but I personally think that it changes the consistency a little bit.
Lisa M
I made this tonight and wow it went over awesome! My 17 year old picky son sent me a text that said – Mom that was good as freak! That’s HUGE! I didn’t have cloves and I only had salted butter and I used 4 bananas since that’s what I had ready to throw out. BIG HIT!! Easy to make! Kid and adult approved!!! ?
Beth Pierce
I am so happy to hear that. Good as freak. That is awesome and I love it. You made my day! Thanks so much!
Maria
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I made this on a family vacation as a birthday cake for my father and it was hit with the entire family. Very easy and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you liked it. I love that banana cake…maybe a little too much! LOL!
Carol Anne Giles
I made this for my children and grandchildren and one of my granddaughters asked me for the recipe. Great praise coming from her as she can be so picky. Thank you so much… your recipe was Enjoyed by all
Beth Pierce
I am so glad that you, your children and your grandchildren enjoyed it. You are most welcome and you made my morning with such a sweet comment.
Carole
I made this in order to use up a couple of overripe banans. There was only about a cups worth, so I made up the difference with applesauce. It was SO GOOD. My brother-in-law couldn’t get enough, which is high praise indeed. This will become my go to banana cake from here on out. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure. Thanks so much for leaving such a sweet complement. You made my day!
Kathy
Beth oh this is wonderful!!! God bless you for posting this recipe… The best one yet ..
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Kathy! I am so glad that you liked it!
Ruby
I’m trying the applesauce because I only had 2 bananas, as well. Hope it turns out o.k.!
Beth Pierce
Sounds like a plan Ruby!
Tina
Hi Beth,
Do you think salted butter would ruin this frosting? It’s the only kind I buy and you know how chefs claim every recipe needs a pinch of salt! ?
Beth Pierce
I think it will be fine.
Patty weeks
The banana looks very easier than my recipe. I am at the great age where everything should be easy. I meant Banana Cake . Sure looks yummy.
Sandra Marcell
This is a very moist cake Its my 2nd time making it. My Greatgrandson wants it for his bday cake next week. He will be 5. My husband wants it made tonight ,it was a big hit
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Sandra! So glad that it is a hit with your family.