Banana Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese or Brown Butter Frosting

Hey friends, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com, and today we’re talking about one of the coziest desserts ever baked in an American kitchen — the banana sheet cake.

I first made this cake on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my kids begged for “something sweet like banana bread, but bigger.” I grabbed a few overripe bananas, creamed the butter and sugar, and poured the batter into my favorite pan. Twenty minutes later, my house smelled like happiness. The warm, golden banana sheet cake was so moist and buttery that it became our family go-to for every potluck and birthday since.

What makes this dessert so beloved across the US? It’s versatile, crowd-friendly, and practically foolproof. Think of it as banana bread’s elegant cousin — soft, rich, and perfectly frosted. You can even add a Southern twist like the Texas Sheet Cake Recipe or try fruity variations such as Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe and Lemon Sheet Cake.

If you adore old-fashioned baking, dive into our Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes — it’s the mother collection of every moist, flavorful sheet cake we’ve tested here at Tiramisucake.com.

So, grab those spotted bananas, friends, because this banana sheet cake will soon steal the spotlight at your next family gathering.

🟡 Why You’ll Love This Banana Sheet Cake

• Quick & Easy: One bowl, one pan — this banana sheet cake is pure simplicity.
• Moist & Velvety: Buttermilk and ripe bananas guarantee tender perfection.
• Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or Sunday suppers.
• Frosting Flexibility: Choose between silky cream cheese or nutty brown-butter frosting.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead, freeze, and enjoy later.
• Family Approved: Loved by kids, coworkers, and anyone who loves banana desserts.

Need variety? Try my Red Velvet Sheet Cake for Valentine’s Day or a spicy fall twist with Carrot Sheet Cake — both are stars in our Best Sheet Cake Recipes collection.

👉 So tell me — are you Team Brown-Butter or Team Cream Cheese for frosting your banana sheet cake?

🟡 Ingredients Needed

A truly great banana sheet cake starts with quality ingredients and a few clever choices. Here’s everything you’ll need (with Chef James’s notes).

🧁 For the Cake

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – for that buttery crumb; Costco’s Kirkland or Trader Joe’s work well.
• 1¾ cups sugar + ½ cup brown sugar – this combo deepens sweetness and color.
• 3 large eggs – room temperature for better mixing.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – balances the banana aroma.
• 3 ripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed) – the heart of every banana sheet cake.
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice – keeps the bananas bright and adds a gentle tang.
• 1½ cups buttermilk – creates that soft, fluffy texture; you can sour milk with lemon juice in a pinch.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Aldi’s organic flour is a good value pick.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt.

🍯 For the Frosting (2 Options)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 16 oz cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

Brown Butter Frosting

• ½ cup butter, browned and cooled
• 12 oz cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

Chef James’s Tip: The brown-butter version adds a caramel-like depth that makes this banana sheet cake unforgettable.

For safety, always store dairy ingredients per USDA guidelines.

Craving more fruity inspiration? Check out the cozy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake from our Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar.

🟡 How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 18×13 inch baking sheet (or 9×13 for thicker cake layers).

Step 2 – Cream Butter & Sugars

Beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy. A creamy start ensures your banana sheet cake has a tender crumb.

Step 3 – Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should look smooth and slightly pale.

Step 4 – Mash Bananas & Add Lemon Juice

Mash the bananas with lemon juice and fold into the mixture.

Chef James’s Extra Tip: No ripe bananas? Bake them (peel on) for 10 minutes at 300°F — sweet flavor unlocked!

Step 5 – Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add half to the wet mix, then the buttermilk, then the rest of the flour. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!

Step 6 – Bake

Pour batter evenly into your pan and bake for 20–22 minutes (sheet) or 45–50 minutes (9×13 pan). A toothpick should come out clean.

Step 7 – Cool Completely

Let the banana sheet cake rest on a rack before frosting — this prevents melting.

Step 8 – Frost & Serve

Spread your chosen frosting evenly, then cut into bars or squares.

Chef James Pro Move: Add chopped pecans or drizzle caramel for a twist reminiscent of our Pumpkin Sheet Cake or Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Cake.

For more creative ideas, explore the entire Best Sheet Cake Recipes collection — you’ll also find gluten-free, vegan, and condensed-milk versions like Funfetti Sheet Cake and Sheet Cake with Condensed Milk.

🟡 Recipe Tips & Variations

Every home baker has their own little trick to make the perfect banana sheet cake, and I’m about to share mine. These tips will make your cake bakery-level moist and flavorful every single time.

👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Pro Tips

• Use extra-ripe bananas. The darker the peel, the sweeter the flavor.
• Don’t over-mix. Once the flour disappears, stop mixing. Over-mixing toughens the cake.
• Cool before frosting. A warm cake will melt your frosting — patience pays off!
• Room-temperature ingredients. Butter, eggs, and buttermilk at the same temperature guarantee smooth blending.

🍰 Fun Variations

1. Keto Banana Sheet Cake – Substitute almond flour for all-purpose and erythritol for sugar. Add sugar-free cream cheese frosting for a low-carb version that still tastes indulgent.
2. Vegan Banana Sheet Cake – Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 Tbsp flax + 3 Tbsp water each) and use almond milk soured with lemon. Frost with vegan cream cheese frosting.
3. Holiday Spiced Banana Sheet Cake – Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Top with maple-brown-butter icing for cozy fall flavor. Try pairing it with our Spice Sheet Cake for a dessert table full of warmth.

Chef James’s Suggestion 🎩: For a show-stopping presentation, drizzle caramel and sprinkle toasted pecans. It gives a flavor profile similar to the Carrot Sheet Cake from our Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes collection.

For food-safety best practices on dairy storage, visit USDA.gov.

🟡 Storage & Reheating

A well-stored banana sheet cake can taste just as fresh days later.

• Room Temperature: If unfrosted, keep covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Once frosted, refrigerate up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting stays silky.
• Freezer: Wrap squares individually in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: For that fresh-from-the-oven texture, microwave a slice for 10 seconds or warm in an air fryer at 300 °F for 2–3 minutes.

Want a tropical touch next time? Swap one banana for crushed pineapple and you’ll get vibes from our Pineapple Sheet Cake — another favorite from the Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar.

🟡 FAQs (People Also Ask)

For even more inspiration, explore the Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes hub — you’ll find everything from vegan to chocolate variations.

🟡 What to Serve With This Recipe

A freshly baked banana sheet cake already shines on its own, but here’s how to elevate dessert time:

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Melts beautifully over a warm slice.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: A drizzle adds restaurant-style flair.
• Banana Milkshake: The ultimate companion for double-banana lovers!

If you’re planning a dessert buffet, pair it with the Vegan Chocolate Sheet Cake or serve a lighter option like the Coconut Sheet Cake — both are stars from our Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar.

🟡 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this banana sheet cake, wait until you explore the rest of our best-rated sheet cakes! Each one has the same moist, crowd-pleasing texture — and they all come from our Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes collection.

• Texas Sheet Cake Recipe – a rich, chocolatey classic with fudgy frosting.
• Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe – tropical and creamy, perfect for spring gatherings.
• Lemon Sheet Cake – bright, tangy and irresistibly fresh.
• Red Velvet Sheet Cake – a Southern favorite that pairs beautifully with cream cheese icing.
• Pumpkin Sheet Cake – cozy, spiced and perfect for Thanksgiving.
• Carrot Sheet Cake – moist and spiced with a hint of cinnamon.
• Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake – fruity, fragrant, and ideal for fall.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Cake – rich, nutty, and pure comfort in every bite.

Each of these clusters links back to our main Best Sheet Cake Recipes pillar — because, just like this banana sheet cake, they celebrate the joy of simple, crowd-friendly baking.

🟡 Recipe Card

🍌 Banana Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese or Brown Butter Frosting

Print

🟡 Conclusion

And that’s it, friends — my ultimate banana sheet cake recipe, baked to golden perfection and finished with silky frosting.

This simple cake proves that sometimes the most comforting desserts are the easiest to make. Whether you bring it to a church potluck or serve it with coffee after dinner, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!

Keep exploring our Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes for endless inspiration — from the chocolatey Texas Sheet Cake Recipe to the cozy Pumpkin Sheet Cake and the festive Red Velvet Sheet Cake.

💬 Try it, love it, and tell me below which frosting team you’re on — Brown Butter or Classic Cream Cheese?

For baking safety and ingredient handling, consult the USDA Food Safety Service and culinary science tips from Serious Eats.

From my kitchen to yours — may your ovens stay warm and your banana sheet cake always bake golden brown.

– Chef James 🍌