Strawberry Banana Cake

This Strawberry Banana Cake is a delightful fusion of two classic fruits, sweet strawberries and ripe bananas, combined in a moist, tender crumb that’s both comforting and refreshing. What sets this cake apart is the airy, whipped cream cheese frosting that adds a subtle tang and rich finish to every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for spring gatherings, brunches, or when you simply need a feel-good treat.

Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. The fresh fruit offers natural sweetness, and the sour cream gives the cake a perfectly moist texture. You can dress it up with strawberry slices or keep it simple and rustic. No matter how you serve it, this Strawberry Banana Cake delivers pure joy and timeless flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup milk

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla, mashed bananas, sour cream, and milk until smooth.

5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Do not overmix.

6. Gently fold in chopped strawberries.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.

9. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.

10. Spread frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with fresh strawberries or banana slices if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 slices

Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfectly Fruity, Moist, and Sweet Dessert for All Occasions

Strawberry Banana Cake is a beloved dessert that combines the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with the sweet, juicy essence of strawberries. The result is a perfectly moist, soft, and flavorful cake that’s both wholesome and indulgent. What elevates this fruity delight to another level is its silky cream cheese frosting, tangy, smooth, and the ideal contrast to the natural sweetness of the fruit.

This cake recipe isn’t just a classic in taste but also a favorite for bakers of all skill levels. It’s simple to prepare, highly customizable, and versatile enough for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a family brunch, or as an afternoon snack. With its bright flavor, tender crumb, and visually appealing color, this Strawberry Banana Cake is bound to become a go-to recipe in your baking rotation.

The Magic Behind Strawberry and Banana in Baking

Strawberries and bananas are a match made in culinary heaven. Their textures and flavors complement each other beautifully, bananas bring richness and moisture, while strawberries offer a light, fresh tang that balances the dense sweetness of banana. When baked, bananas break down to add softness and depth, while strawberries burst with flavor and create juicy, slightly tart pockets in every slice.

Bananas are often used in baking to enhance the moisture content and contribute natural sweetness, which allows for reduced added sugar. Meanwhile, strawberries not only provide a pop of flavor but also visual appeal. The red streaks of strawberries against the light banana cake make every slice look inviting and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Banana Cake

Here are a few reasons this cake recipe will quickly earn a spot in your favorites:

• Incredibly Moist Texture: Thanks to the bananas and sour cream in the batter, the crumb of this cake is ultra-soft and moist. It doesn’t dry out quickly, which makes it perfect for making ahead.

• Sweet and Tangy Contrast: The cream cheese frosting brings a tangy richness that balances the fruity sweetness of the cake.

• Burst of Fresh Fruit Flavor: Every bite is filled with the unmistakable flavor of strawberries and bananas, a duo that’s both nostalgic and refreshing.

• Easy to Make: With simple pantry ingredients and no complicated steps, this recipe is approachable for beginner bakers and satisfying for seasoned ones.

• Versatile Presentation: Serve it plain for a rustic dessert or decorate with fresh strawberries and banana slices for a more elegant presentation.

Ingredient Highlights

Understanding what each key ingredient contributes will help you appreciate the balance this cake achieves:

• Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. They bring sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana flavor.

• Fresh Strawberries: Chopped and folded into the batter, strawberries give the cake a bright, juicy bite and a beautiful pop of color.

• Sour Cream: Adds richness and keeps the crumb extra moist without making the cake too dense.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: A luscious, slightly tangy topping that complements the cake’s fruity sweetness. It’s rich without being overly sweet and can be whipped for an airy texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds depth.

• All-purpose flour, eggs, butter, and baking soda: The backbone of most cake recipes, these ingredients help build the structure, hold moisture, and provide a soft, tender crumb.

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this Strawberry Banana Cake is how easily it adapts to different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some optional modifications you can try:

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.

• Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips would add a lovely sweet surprise in each bite.

• Coconut: For a tropical flair, add unsweetened shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on the frosting.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome twist.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream, and vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives for the frosting.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but there are ways to take it to the next level:

• Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Top the frosted cake with sliced strawberries and bananas just before serving for a vibrant, fresh look.

• Whipped Cream Swirl: Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side of each slice for extra indulgence.

• Drizzle of Chocolate or Strawberry Sauce: A light drizzle can create a dessert worthy of a restaurant menu.

• Serve Chilled or Room Temperature: The cake tastes great both ways. For firmer frosting, chill the cake slightly before slicing.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re making dessert for a family dinner or celebrating a special event, this cake fits the bill:

• Brunch Treat: Its fruity lightness makes it an ideal sweet dish at a spring or summer brunch.

• Potluck Favorite: Easy to slice and serve, it travels well and always gets rave reviews.

• Birthday Cake: Add candles and decorative toppings, and it easily doubles as a stunning birthday cake.

• Tea-Time Dessert: Pair a slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon break.

Storage and Leftovers

This cake stores beautifully and is a great make-ahead dessert:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The frosting stays firm, and the cake remains moist.

• Freezer: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight and frost when ready to serve.

• Room Temperature: If unfrosted, the cake can sit at room temperature (covered) for a day or two, though it’s best kept chilled once frosted.

Healthier Dessert Choice

Compared to traditional frosted cakes, this recipe is relatively lighter in sugar and fat content. The use of fruit offers natural sweetness and nutrition, while the sour cream and bananas reduce the need for excess butter or oil. You can also opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or low-fat dairy alternatives to lighten it further without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you could want in a homemade dessert, fruity, moist, fluffy, and luxuriously frosted. It’s the kind of cake that feels both nostalgic and fresh, comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re baking it for your family, bringing it to a get-together, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and beautiful appearance make it a staple worth returning to again and again. Plus, it offers enough room for creativity and customization, allowing you to make it your own each time. So, grab your ripe bananas and fresh strawberries and get baking. This delightful dessert is waiting to brighten your table.