Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Banana Bread Dessert With Cream Cheese Frosting - Soft, Moist, and Comforting

Banana Bread Dessert With Cream Cheese Frosting - Soft, Moist, and Comforting

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Bananas: 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed). Spotty and soft is best.
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick), melted and slightly cooled.
  • Neutral oil: 1/4 cup (canola, vegetable, or light olive).
  • Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed.
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup.
  • Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature.
  • Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons.
  • All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups.
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon.
  • Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Fine salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Cinnamon (optional): 1/2 teaspoon for warmth.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: 1/3 cup for extra moisture.
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup.
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, full-fat, softened.
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick), softened.
  • Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 to 2 cups, sifted.
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • Pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness.
  • Milk or cream (optional): 1–2 teaspoons, if needed for texture.

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the sides.
  • Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. Measure to ensure about 1 1/2 cups.
  • Whisk the wet ingredients: Add melted butter, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and yogurt or sour cream. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
  • Bring it together: Add dry ingredients to the wet bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in nuts if using.
  • Fill and bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil at the 45-minute mark.
  • Cool completely: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Lift out using the parchment and transfer to a rack. Cool fully before frosting.
  • Make the frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, 2–3 minutes. Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Add a teaspoon of milk or cream if you want a silkier spread.
  • Frost and finish: Spread a thick, even layer over the cooled loaf. For a bakery look, make soft swoops with an offset spatula. Chill for 20 minutes to set before slicing.
  • Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Enjoy slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!