Step into a world of heartwarming flavors with this truly irresistible Old-Fashioned Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This recipe promises an incredibly moist, deeply flavorful cake that captures the essence of homemade comfort, just like Grandma used to make. It’s a timeless treat, perfected over generations, designed to bring smiles and satisfy cravings with every tender bite. Forget complicated desserts; this classic banana cake is delightfully straightforward to prepare, yet yields spectacular results that are sure to impress any crowd.
If you have a love for classic, comforting cakes, you’re in for a treat! Beyond this delightful banana creation, explore other beloved recipes such as the Super Easy Chocolate Cake with Best Chocolate Frosting, the sophisticated Decadent Red Wine Chocolate Cake, the iconic “American Beauty” Retro Red Velvet Cake, and the utterly soft Super-Moist Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. Each offers a unique journey into the cherished world of traditional baking, but for pure nostalgic bliss, our banana snack cake stands out.
Embrace Comfort: Why This Banana Snack Cake is a Must-Bake!
Are you yearning for a classic, comforting treat that instantly transports you to a simpler time and brings a genuine smile to your face? Look no further! This old-fashioned banana snack cake with its luscious cream cheese frosting is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of cake that evokes childhood memories, cozy afternoons, and the comforting aroma of a busy kitchen.
This classic dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and its appeal lies not only in its sublime taste but also in its surprising ease of preparation. From the moment you mash the ripe bananas to the final swirl of creamy frosting, every step is designed to be enjoyable and stress-free. The resulting cake is wonderfully moist and fluffy, providing the perfect canvas for the tangy, sweet, and unbelievably smooth cream cheese frosting. Together, these components create a heavenly treat that transcends the ordinary.
Unrivaled Flavor and Texture
What sets this banana snack cake apart? It’s the harmonious blend of rich, natural banana flavor with the decadent sweetness of the cake, beautifully complemented by the bright tang of the cream cheese frosting. This combination often outshines even the most elaborate desserts, establishing itself as a beloved favorite from the very first bite. The texture is key – a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, enhanced by the optional crunch of coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, adding another layer of delightful complexity.
Perfect for Any Moment
This banana snack cake isn’t just for special occasions; it’s an everyday luxury. Its versatility makes it suitable for almost any time or event. Serve it as a delightful breakfast treat to start your day on a sweet note, enjoy it as a satisfying after-meal dessert, or simply indulge in a slice as an afternoon pick-me-up. Its convenient “snack cake” format means it’s less formal than a layer cake, making it perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
This is undeniably a recipe you’ll want to bookmark, especially when you find yourself with an abundance of ripe bananas. Those speckled, sweet bananas are the secret to its incredible flavor and moisture. If you often have ripe bananas on hand, you might also love exploring 25 Delicious Banana Recipes, or baking a batch of these Perfect Banana Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Essential Ingredients for Your Old-Fashioned Banana Snack Cake
Crafting this delightful cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Quality and proper preparation are crucial for achieving that signature moist texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for both the cake and its iconic cream cheese frosting:
Moist Banana Snack Cake Ingredients:
- Very ripe bananas, mashed: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar, lightly packed: Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and contributes to the cake’s moisture.
- Oil of choice: Such as canola, coconut, vegetable, or a mild olive oil. Oil keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Large eggs, at room temperature: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform cake texture.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: A secret ingredient for ultimate moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- All-purpose flour: The structural base of your cake.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and achieve its fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- Coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For added crunch and a nutty dimension.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- Cream cheese, at room temperature: Essential for the classic tangy flavor and creamy texture. Room temperature is critical for a lump-free frosting.
- Unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for classic cream cheese frosting, enhancing its sweet and tangy profile.
- Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar): Sweetens the frosting and gives it its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Optional: walnuts & pecans on top: For decoration and an extra layer of texture.
Crafting Your Old-Fashioned Banana Snack Cake: Step-by-Step
Baking this banana snack cake is a rewarding experience, leading to a wonderfully fragrant kitchen and an even more delicious treat. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Properly grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the mashed ripe bananas with both granulated sugar and light brown sugar until thoroughly mixed. This gentle start ensures the sugars dissolve well. Next, add the oil, room-temperature eggs, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, mixing on low speed only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine! If you’re including them, gently fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured 9-inch cake pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting. This step is crucial for preventing your frosting from melting!
Whipping Up the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
No old-fashioned banana cake is complete without a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth cream cheese frosting. This recipe yields enough frosting to generously top one 9-inch cake. Achieve frosting perfection with these simple instructions:
- Cream the Base: In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on low speed, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, room-temperature unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined and smooth. It’s essential that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, smooth, and creamy. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can make the frosting too thin.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cake is completely cool, use an offset spatula or knife to spread the glorious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, decorate the top with additional walnut and pecan halves, if desired.
Storing Your Delicious Banana Snack Cake
To keep your old-fashioned banana snack cake with cream cheese frosting fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key:
- Refrigerator Storage: Any leftovers of this delightful cake should be stored covered in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness and consistency. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days, allowing you to savor its goodness throughout the week.
- Freezing for Later: This cake freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a slice whenever a craving strikes. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing its quality. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
Creative Ways to Serve This Versatile Snack Cake
While this banana snack cake is perfect as is, there are many delightful ways to customize and serve it, making it even more special:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: For a fun twist, fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the banana cake batter before baking. The melty chocolate combined with the banana is an irresistible duo!
- Alternative Frostings: If cream cheese isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for something different, this moist banana cake pairs wonderfully with other frostings. Consider a rich Fluffy Nutella & Toffee Frosting for an indulgent experience, or even a classic Best Chocolate Frosting for a classic flavor pairing.
- Frosting-Free Delight: This cake is so incredibly moist and flavorful on its own that frosting is truly optional. If you prefer a simpler treat, it’s perfectly delicious without any topping at all.
- Simple Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a hint of sweetness without the richness of a full frosting, a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a lovely touch and an elegant finish.
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice of banana cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a small square with your morning coffee or tea. Its balanced sweetness and comforting flavor make it an ideal start to the day.
We can all agree, there’s a unique magic to an old-fashioned, moist banana snack cake, especially when crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting. This classic recipe stands as a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Its easy-to-follow instructions ensure that even novice bakers can achieve a dessert that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.
Whether you serve it as a casual afternoon snack, a delightful breakfast pastry, or a cherished dessert for a special occasion, this homemade banana snack cake is guaranteed to please every palate. It’s more than just food; it’s a gesture of love and comfort. So, why not embark on this delightful baking journey today? Surprise your family and friends with a delicious treat that will not only be devoured but remembered fondly for years to come.
More Comforting Desserts You’ll Love
- Sour Cream Banana Bars
- Perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins! Fluffy & Moist!
- Pumpkin Walnut Bread
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Bread
- Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars
- Best Fresh Strawberry Cobbler
Old-Fashioned Banana Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
By Kim Lange
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Servings: 12 Servings
Ingredients
Banana Cake Recipe
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- ½ cup oil of choice (like canola, coconut, vegetable or olive)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- Optional: walnuts & pecans on top, for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Banana Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- Using a mixer, mix the mashed bananas and sugars on low speed until combined. Add the oil, eggs, Greek yogurt/sour cream and vanilla and continue mixing on low until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Yields enough frosting for topping 1 9-inch cake.
- Using a mixer, mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on low speed until just combined. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting on top of the cake and decorate with walnut and pecan halves, if using.
Keyword: banana, cake, cream cheese, frosting, nuts
Tried This Recipe? Let us know how it was by commenting below!
This recipe is adapted from Ina Garten’s version found on Food Network.
