Name: Easy Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 large egg yolks, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract (or banana extract for stronger banana flavor); 3 cups cake flour; 2½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 1½ cup whipping cream, very cold; 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp clear vanilla extract; 2 large bananas, very ripe and mashed; 2 cups diced strawberries

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert that is bursting with fresh fruit flavors and creamy goodness, look no further than this Easy Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This cake brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy strawberries, wrapped in a moist, tender cake base. The cream cheese frosting, whipped to a fluffy perfection with a touch of fresh fruit, adds the perfect tangy richness. It’s a classic combo made brilliantly simple and endlessly delicious, ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply treating yourself to something memorable and homey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different ingredients for baking. On the left side, there are seven bowls: the top left holds thick white cream, next to it on the right is a bowl with cream cheese or a soft white ingredient; below the cream are mashed bananas in a bowl, and to the right of the bananas is a bowl of finely chopped red strawberries. Below these are three smaller bowls, one with clear liquid, one filled with white granulated sugar, and one empty or less visible. On the right side of the image, there are nine bowls: at the top, two sticks of butter in a bowl, next to it a small empty or lightly filled bowl, and salt in a black-rimmed bowl. Below these are bowls containing a large amount of white flour, white sugar, pale yellow batter or cream, golden egg yolks, and a small bowl with dark vanilla extract. All the bowls are transparent and placed neatly on the white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, easy to find, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this cake. From the rich butter and buttermilk that ensure moistness, to the real fruit that adds vibrant freshness, each component matters.

Unsalted butter (16 tbsp): Room temperature butter creates the ideal creamy base for the cake batter.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps with the tender crumb texture.
Large eggs (3) and egg yolks (2): Provide structure and richness for the cake.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds aromatic depth; banana extract can be swapped for stronger banana flavor.
Cake flour (3 cups): Gives the cake a light and tender crumb unlike all-purpose flour.
Baking powder (2½ tsp): The leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds tang and moisture, contributing to a soft texture.
Whipping cream (1½ cups): Very cold, for whipping into fluffy cream.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Room temperature for smooth, luscious frosting.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting perfectly.
Clear vanilla extract (1 tsp): Keeps the frosting light and flavorful.
Very ripe bananas (2): Mashed for natural sweetness and moistness in the frosting.
Diced strawberries (2 cups): Fresh and juicy, folded into the frosting and used as a topping.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This little extra step ensures your cake layers will come out perfectly clean and intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed. This mixing should go on for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Don’t rush this – it’s key for a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs and yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely fragrant base. If you want a banana-forward scent, swap the vanilla for banana extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly through the batter and prevents clumps.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

On low speed, add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter; you want it tender, not dense.

Step 6: Fill Pans and Bake

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops gently. Bake the cakes for 25 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip the very cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture for a whipped, airy consistency.

Step 8: Incorporate Fruit and Assemble

Fold in the mashed bananas and 1 cup of diced strawberries into the frosting. Save the rest of the strawberries for decorating. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the first cake layer, scatter half the reserved strawberries on top, then place the second layer over it. Frost the top and sides, finishing with the remaining strawberries.

Step 9: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the cake for a bit before slicing to get those clean layers and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Then bring it out and enjoy every luscious, fruity bite!

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a slice of two-layer yellow sponge cake on a white plate. The cake has a layer of white cream with small red strawberry pieces between the layers and another layer of white cream with more chopped strawberries on top. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist, and the cream looks smooth and fluffy. In the back, the rest of the cake sits on a white cake stand, with a bowl of strawberries and a glass bottle with a paper straw filled with milk nearby. The surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries sliced artistically or whole mini strawberries add a vibrant pop of color, enhancing the natural fruit theme of the cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar or some mint leaves can elevate the presentation to something special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you prefer something lighter, a fresh fruit salad with citrus or berries complements the flavors without overpowering the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture contrast. For gatherings, set out a DIY frosting and fruit station where guests can decorate their own slices. It makes the experience more fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preserves the freshness of the cream cheese frosting and fruit, maintaining the texture and flavor for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge before frosting. While the frosted cake can also be frozen, the fresh fruit in the frosting may change texture slightly after thawing.

Reheating

Because this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring it to room temperature straight from the fridge for about 30 minutes before enjoying to get the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While cake flour is preferred for its fine texture leading to a tender crumb, you can substitute all-purpose flour by replacing 2 tablespoons per cup with cornstarch to lighten it up a bit.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap butter for dairy-free margarine, use coconut or almond milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice as buttermilk substitute, and find dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.

How do I keep the bananas from browning in the frosting?

Use very ripe bananas immediately after mashing, and fold them gently into the frosting just before assembling to minimize exposure to air. Serving the cake fresh also helps keep it visually appealing.

Can I make cupcakes instead of a layered cake?

Absolutely! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Adjust baking time to about 18-22 minutes, and frost after they’ve cooled completely.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe to keep the frosting texture light. If using frozen, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid extra moisture causing the frosting to become runny.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Easy Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe becomes one of your new favorites to bake and share with loved ones. It’s a beautiful balance of fresh, fruity flavors and creamy indulgence that feels both special and understated. Once you try it, I bet you’ll keep coming back for more because it’s just that good.