Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is a soft, sweet cake made with ripe bananas and topped with a creamy, nutty frosting. The bananas make the cake extra moist and naturally sweet, which means it tastes rich without being heavy. The peanut butter frosting adds a smooth, slightly salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. Together, they create a dessert that feels cozy, comforting, and fun to eat kind of like a big warm hug in cake form.

This cake is great for birthdays, family gatherings, school celebrations, or even a simple weekend treat. It’s easy enough for beginners and exciting enough for experienced bakers. Kids love it because it tastes like a banana-peanut butter sandwich in cake form, and adults love it because it’s homemade, flavorful, and not too fancy. If you enjoy banana bread, you’ll absolutely love this cake.
You Should Try Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
You should try Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting because it’s simple, tasty, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home. It’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas that are turning brown on the counter. Instead of throwing them away, you turn them into something delicious that everyone will enjoy.
Another reason to try this cake is that it’s very forgiving. Even if you’re new to baking, the cake still turns out soft and yummy. The directions are easy to follow, and the frosting comes together quickly. Plus, this recipe is great for baking with kids because mashing bananas and mixing frosting are fun and safe kitchen tasks for little helpers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
For the Peanut Butter Frosting
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Step One
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease or line a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together the white sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and creamy.
Step Three
Add the mashed banana to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. The banana should blend smoothly and give the mixture a creamy consistency. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Pour in the milk and stir gently until the batter is smooth, but avoid overmixing to keep the cake moist.
Step Four
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Five
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is important because a warm cake can melt the frosting. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then beat until smooth and light. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then slice and enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before you start Cooking, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls one large, one medium
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper optional
- Oven
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Tips for the Best Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
Mash bananas with a fork or potato masher for quick and easy prep.
If you’re short on time, use an electric mixer for the frosting to make it extra fluffy.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting to my small family after a meal with them, such as chicken or salmon, and I also like to serve it with drinks like fruit juice or lemonade.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake without peanut butter ?
Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or vanilla frosting instead.
Can I make this cake gluten free ?
Yes, substitute the all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the frosted cake ?
Yes, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. It lasts up to 3 months.
Can I add nuts to the cake ?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor.
Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting
Course: Dessert, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings20
minutes35
minutes350
kcal55
minutesA soft, moist banana cake topped with creamy peanut butter frosting, perfect for family treats, birthdays, or using up ripe bananas.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk or buttermilk
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease or line a 23x33cm (9x13 inch) baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat together the white sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and creamy.
- Add the mashed banana to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. The banana should blend smoothly and give the mixture a creamy consistency. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Pour in the milk and stir gently until the batter is smooth, but avoid overmixing to keep the cake moist.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is important because a warm cake can melt the frosting. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then beat until smooth and light. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour this keeps the cake soft.
- Mash bananas with a fork or potato masher for a smooth texture
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
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