There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting wafting through your kitchen. The way the warm, sweet scent of ripe bananas mingles with a zesty lemony tang is like a hug for your senses, promising a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Savory breakfast casserole.

Picture this: you slice into the soft, fluffy cake, revealing its moist interior, while the creamy frosting glistens invitingly on top. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter-filled afternoons. Whether it’s a birthday bash or just a Tuesday that needs brightening up, this cake will surely steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
- The flavor combination is refreshingly unique, offering both sweetness and zest in every bite.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.
- Perfectly versatile, you can enjoy this cake as an afternoon snack or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
I once made this banana cake for my friend’s surprise party, and let me tell you, the look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture; they should have plenty of brown spots.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best; sifted if possible for lighter texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; adjust if you prefer less sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Ensure freshness for proper rising; check the expiration date before use.
- Salt: A pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness in the cake.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; feel free to substitute with melted butter for richer flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies recipe.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh zest adds brightness; juice enhances flavor in frosting.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest frosting consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Space: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout your cake.
Mash Those Bananas!: Grab those ripe bananas and mash them in another bowl until smooth with minimal lumps. You want them to be almost liquid-like for optimal incorporation into the batter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well blended but be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine!
Combine Mixtures Carefully: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined; don’t worry about some lumps remaining.
Bake to Perfection!: Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once cooled completely on wire racks, it’s time to frost!
Enjoy generously spreading that luscious lemon cream cheese frosting over each layer of banana goodness before stacking them together. Let’s not forget to leave some frosting on top for good measure – after all, we eat with our eyes first!
Now you have created an irresistible Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting that will surely delight anyone lucky enough to taste it! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve made something truly special! Cream cheese frosting variation.
You Must Know
- Baking banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting is a delightful experience.
- The aroma of ripe bananas and tangy lemon fills your kitchen, making it a welcoming space.
- This cake is incredibly moist and pairs wonderfully with the creamy frosting, ensuring every bite is pure bliss.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking pan. Mash the ripe bananas while mixing the dry ingredients separately to ensure even distribution before combining everything together for a perfectly baked banana cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping out lemon for lime in the frosting. Perfectly paired scone recipe Each variation brings a unique twist that can surprise and delight your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy leftovers, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness and moisture; they are perfect for baking.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature so they blend evenly, avoiding lumps in your batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
Baking this banana cake with lemon cream cheese frosting brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone commented on its moistness and delicious flavor. Delicious cake ball treats It’s always a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Banana Cake Recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas for this banana cake?
Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great in this recipe!
How can I make my lemon cream cheese frosting fluffier?
Beat the frosting longer until it becomes light and airy for better texture.
What’s the best way to tell when my banana cake is done?
Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Banana Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Banana Cake topped with zesty Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly moist and fluffy, this cake captures the essence of ripe bananas and tangy lemon, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Ideal for celebrations or just to brighten your day, this easy-to-make treat will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (about 1.5 cups mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mash ripe bananas until smooth; mix in eggs, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting with lemon cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.