Banana Cream Cake: A Fluffy and Creamy Dessert You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both light and indulgent, this banana cream cake is the perfect choice. With layers of moist banana cake, a silky cream filling, and a fluffy frosting, it brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the richness of cream in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet at home, this recipe is easy to make and always impresses.

Unlike heavy desserts, this fluffy and creamy banana cake has a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even as a show-stopping centerpiece for gatherings. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to master it—just a few simple ingredients and a little love will transform your bananas into an irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cream Cake

Banana cream cake isn’t just another dessert—it’s a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and ease that makes it a favorite for both home bakers and dessert lovers. Here’s why this cake will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection:

Fluffy banana cream cake with whipped cream frosting and banana slices on top

A Perfect Balance of Banana Flavor and Creamy Filling
The star of this dessert is, of course, the ripe bananas. They provide natural sweetness and a rich, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a subtle banana essence without being overpowering.

Light, Fluffy Layers with a Moist Texture
Unlike dense banana breads, this banana cream cake is airy and soft, thanks to carefully whipped batter and proper baking techniques. Each layer stays moist, making it ideal for stacking with creamy frosting or filling without collapsing.

A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or casual weekend treat, this cake looks impressive but is easy to assemble. Its creamy layers and soft texture give it an elegant feel that can easily become the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Easier to Make Than You Might Think
Many shy away from layered cakes thinking they’re too complicated, but this recipe is designed to be straightforward and approachable. With common ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, bananas, and cream, even beginner bakers can create a fluffy and creamy masterpiece that rivals bakery-quality desserts.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Cake

Creating a fluffy and creamy banana cream cake starts with having the right ingredients and tools on hand. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dessert a success:

Banana Cake:

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) sour cream or plain yogurt (for moisture)
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)

Banana Cream Filling:

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix (optional, for thicker filling)
½ cup (120ml) milk (if using pudding mix)

Frosting:

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

Banana slices
Crushed cookies or graham crackers
Caramel drizzle
Chocolate shavings or chips

Essential Tools / Utensils:

2 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans
Mixing bowls (small and large)
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack
Knife for slicing bananas
Offset spatula or butter knife for spreading frosting

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Making this fluffy and creamy banana cream cake is easier than it looks. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll end up with a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

1. Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground cinnamon (if using).
Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

4. Incorporate Bananas and Sour Cream

Add the 3 mashed ripe bananas and ½ cup sour cream to the butter mixture.
Mix gently until fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix, or the cake may become dense.

6. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Banana Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
If using instant pudding, mix 3.4 oz vanilla pudding with ½ cup milk and fold into the whipped cream for a thicker, creamier filling.

8. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread half of the banana cream filling evenly over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and cover with the remaining filling.
Frost the sides and top with whipped cream, smoothing with an offset spatula.

9. Add Toppings (Optional)

Decorate with banana slices, crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or chocolate shavings for extra flavor and presentation.

10. Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1–2 hours to let the filling set and flavors meld.
Slice and enjoy your fluffy, creamy banana cake!

Variations and Delicious Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this banana cream cake is how versatile it is. You can customize it to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or occasion. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Banana Cream Pie-Inspired Cake

Transform your banana cream cake into a banana cream pie hybrid by adding a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs at the bottom of the cake layers.
Top with a light layer of whipped cream and banana slices for that classic pie flavor in cake form.

Add Nuts or Chocolate for Extra Flavor

Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips directly into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
You can also sprinkle chopped nuts between layers or on top of the frosting for a crunchy, satisfying bite.

Turn It Into a No-Bake Dessert

For a quick twist, use store-bought pound cake or graham cracker crust and layer it with banana cream filling and whipped cream.
Chill in the fridge for a few hours instead of baking—it’s a simple, foolproof alternative that’s perfect for hot days or last-minute dessert cravings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Pair it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete dessert experience.
Slice into small squares or layered mini cakes for parties or gatherings—easy to serve and impress guests.

Optional Toppings for Presentation

Fresh banana slices, chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
You can also add a few mint leaves for a fresh, colorful touch.

Tips for Success and Storage

To ensure your banana cream cake turns out perfectly every time and stays fresh for days, follow these helpful tips:

Keep Your Cake Moist and Fluffy

Use ripe but firm bananas; overripe bananas can make the batter too wet.
Don’t overmix the batter—fold the dry ingredients gently to avoid dense layers.
Adding a small amount of sour cream or yogurt helps keep the cake tender and moist.

Perfect Whipped Cream and Filling

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for better volume.
Whip to soft peaks; over-whipping can turn the cream into butter.
If using pudding in the filling, allow it to cool slightly before folding into the whipped cream to maintain a smooth texture.

Assembling Tips

Make sure your cake layers are completely cooled before spreading the filling or frosting to prevent melting.
Use an offset spatula or butter knife for smooth, even frosting.
For clean slicing, refrigerate the cake for at least 1–2 hours before cutting.

Storing Your Banana Cream Cake

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you need to store longer, you can freeze the cake (without whipped cream frosting) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to keep the cream filling fresh and safe to eat.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the cake becomes slightly dry, lightly brush the layers with milk or simple syrup before adding frosting.
Garnish with fresh banana slices or a dusting of powdered sugar to bring back its freshness and visual appeal.