If you’re looking for the perfect hybrid between classic banana bread and a soft, tender cake, this Banana Bread Snack Cake is your dream come true. Each slice is rich, moist, and full of real banana flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, slightly tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, it’s a comforting bite of homemade goodness.
This snack cake is incredibly simple to make and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. The addition of sour cream keeps the crumb ultra-moist while enhancing the banana flavor. And if you’re a fan of a bit of crunch, walnuts give it just the right amount of texture. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and turn them into something truly delightful to share or not!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Frosting:
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup butter, softened
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups powdered sugar
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Chopped walnuts for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in sour cream, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to banana mixture until just combined.
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Fold in chopped walnuts if using. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Mix in vanilla and powdered sugar until creamy.
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Spread frosting over cooled cake and garnish with chopped walnuts if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 16 squares
Banana Bread Snack Cake: A Comforting Treat That Feels Like Home
When it comes to timeless baked goods, few things hit the spot like banana bread. The warm aroma, the soft and moist texture, and the nostalgic flavor of overripe bananas bring back fond memories for many of us. But what happens when you combine the heartiness of banana bread with the soft, tender crumb of a classic cake? You get a delightful treat known as Banana Bread Snack Cake, a dessert that marries the best of both worlds.
This banana snack cake is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a casual afternoon treat, adding it to a brunch menu, or packing it into lunchboxes, it never fails to impress. It’s the kind of bake that feels effortless but delivers maximum comfort and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Snack Cake
One of the best parts of this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. It doesn’t require fancy techniques, complex layering, or even a mixer if you’re willing to put in a little whisking power. The ingredients are pantry staples: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, and bananas. The magic lies in the combination: the tanginess of sour cream keeps the cake moist for days, and the mashed bananas add both sweetness and a rich, naturally creamy texture.
Another standout element is the luscious cream cheese frosting. Smooth, tangy, and sweet, it’s the perfect topping for this moist snack cake. It elevates the banana flavor and adds a creamy finish that makes each bite feel indulgent. You can keep it simple with just the frosting or take it up a notch with a sprinkling of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch.
If you’re in the mood for a little experimentation, this recipe also lends itself beautifully to variations. Want to go nut-free? Skip the walnuts. Looking for extra spice? Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Craving chocolate? A handful of mini chocolate chips never hurts.
A Treat for All Ages
Banana Bread Snack Cake is the kind of dessert that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can enjoy. It’s soft enough for little ones and just sweet enough to please more refined palates. It doesn’t have the heaviness of a traditional frosted layer cake, making it ideal as a midday snack, a lunchbox treat, or even a casual dessert after dinner.
This is also a bake that travels well. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, potluck, or family gathering, a tray of banana snack cake is a welcome sight. It holds its structure, doesn’t require refrigeration (unless it’s frosted), and can be cut into neat squares for easy serving.
Perfect for Ripe Bananas
We’ve all been there staring at a bunch of overripe bananas on the counter and wondering what to do with them. This recipe is your delicious solution. In fact, the riper the bananas, the better. As bananas ripen, their starches convert into sugars, giving you natural sweetness and intense banana flavor. That’s what makes this snack cake so rich and flavorful without needing a lot of added sugar.
Using bananas also means you’re baking with a fruit that brings some nutritional benefits to the table. Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, which adds a bit of wholesomeness to this sweet treat. It might be a cake, but you can feel a little better about reaching for that second piece.
Frosting: Optional but Recommended
Let’s talk frosting. While the cake is delicious on its own, the cream cheese frosting really takes it to the next level. It’s tangy, rich, and balances out the sweetness of the bananas perfectly. Plus, it adds a beautiful visual contrast and a creamy texture that enhances every bite.
If you’re not in the mood for frosting or want to reduce the sweetness, feel free to leave it off or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar. However, if you’re preparing this for a special occasion or want to impress your guests, don’t skip the frosting, trust us.
Make It Ahead and Store It Easily
Another great thing about this Banana Bread Snack Cake is how well it stores. You can bake it ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container for several days. If you’ve frosted it, store it in the refrigerator for maximum freshness. Unfrosted, it holds up well at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Want to freeze it? Absolutely. Just wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw completely, frost if desired, and enjoy.
A Crowd-Pleaser That’s Always in Style
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about banana-based baked goods. They remind us of family kitchens, lazy weekend mornings, and the joy of baking from scratch. This Banana Bread Snack Cake captures all of that and more in each moist, flavorful square.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home baker, this is a recipe worth bookmarking. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always yields delicious results. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques, just some ripe bananas, a few simple ingredients, and a craving for something sweet and satisfying.
Conclusion
The Banana Bread Snack Cake is more than just a way to use up ripe bananas, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every slice. Its simplicity makes it accessible to bakers of all levels, while its rich banana flavor and creamy frosting make it a standout treat for any occasion. From family gatherings to casual snacking, this cake fits the bill perfectly. With its soft crumb, customizable add-ins, and irresistible taste, it’s no wonder this humble snack cake is a favorite across generations.
So next time your bananas start to brown, don’t toss them, bake this Banana Bread Snack Cake and enjoy a timeless dessert that truly feels like home.