Name: Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons sour cream (can substitute full fat Greek yogurt); 2 medium overripe bananas, mashed; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and chopped; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat, look no further than this Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine the comforting aromas of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and fresh apples mingling together in a moist, tender cake that’s perfectly finished with a luscious, cinnamon-spiked cream cheese frosting. Whether you need a breakfast delight, a midday snack, or a sweet ending to your day, this recipe hits all the notes with its irresistible flavors and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a thick, creamy batter mixed with small, uneven pieces of light beige fruit, likely apple chunks. The batter has a smooth texture with a beige and slightly speckled color, swirled in the bowl. A white spatula with colorful cupcake designs on the handle is partially dipped into the mixture on the right side, blending with the batter. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Putting together this Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients that bring incredible flavor and warmth to every bite. Each component plays a vital role—from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the crisp apples providing a subtle tart contrast, and the cinnamon tying all the flavors together with that perfect hint of spice.

6 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cake structure.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients for structure and stability.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, floral note.
2 tablespoons sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt): Adds moisture and a subtle tang for balance.
2 medium overripe bananas, mashed: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature banana flavor.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base and gives structure to the cake.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create lightness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples and bananas.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and chopped: Adds crispness and fresh fruit bursts throughout the cake.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: For the creamy, tangy frosting that makes every bite extraordinary.
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened: Creates a silky base for the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the frosting with cozy spice that complements the cake.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and aerates the frosting to a fluffy finish.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking spray to ensure your cake comes out perfectly without sticking. This setup is crucial for an even bake and easy cleanup, setting the stage for your delicious snack cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly to incorporate. Next, mix in the sour cream followed by the mashed bananas. This step creates a luxuriously moist and flavorful base that makes the cake tender and sweet with every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures your cake will rise properly and have the perfect blend of warm spices. When combined, folding this dry mix into your wet ingredients gently prevents overmixing, which keeps the final texture tender and light.

Step 4: Add Fresh Apples

Fold the chopped Honeycrisp apple pieces into the batter just until incorporated. This addition introduces a wonderful contrast of texture and freshness that balances the softness of the bananas and the richness of the cake. Be careful not to overmix here to keep those pockets of fresh apple intact.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the frosting—patience here ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and creates a smooth finish.

Step 6: Create the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl and add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is perfectly creamy and spreadable. This frosting is the final magic touch that transforms the snack cake into a truly indulgent treat.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Use an offset spatula to generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. For an extra hint of warmth and color, dust a little extra cinnamon over the top. Cut into nine squares and get ready to savor every bite of this heavenly Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a close-up of several square pieces of light brown cake with a thick layer of white cream on top, each sprinkled with a fine dusting of cinnamon powder. One piece is turned over to reveal a moist, crumbly inside filled with small nut pieces, adding texture contrast. The cakes are closely placed on wrinkled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. In the background, cinnamon sticks and part of an apple are slightly out of focus, adding a natural touch to the setting. The light and shadows highlight the soft texture of the cream and the roughness of the cake beneath, making the dessert look inviting and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your snack cake by adding simple garnishes like a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices arranged on top. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate sweetness and beautiful presentation. These little touches elevate the visual appeal and stoke the anticipation for each bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt for complementary textures and flavors. These pairing choices bring harmony and balance to your snack or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, cut the cake into small squares and serve on a decorative platter dusted with cinnamon sugar. Alternatively, layer crumbled cake with whipped cream and caramel sauce in small parfait glasses for an elegant take on the classic snack cake. These creative presentations make your Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a star at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration can extend the life to about four days but bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either before frosting or after. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Frozen unfrosted cake keeps well for up to three months, while frosted cake is best eaten within one month for optimal freshness.

Reheating

If desired, gently warm an unfrosted slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked sensation. Avoid microwaving frosted pieces to keep the frosting intact, but allowing frosted slices to sit at room temperature for a bit works wonders for softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different apple variety in the recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness with a firm texture, you can substitute with Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples depending on your preference. Just know that tart apples like Granny Smith will add more tang, whereas sweeter ones like Fuji will soften the tartness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting. The sour cream can be replaced with a plant-based yogurt to keep the moisture and tang. Keep in mind the flavors may shift slightly but will still be delicious!

How ripe should the bananas be for the best flavor?

The bananas should be very ripe, with plenty of brown spots on the skin. This ensures they’re sweet and soft, which adds natural sweetness and moisture crucial for the cake’s tender crumb and flavor depth.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. This swap should maintain the cake’s structure and texture, though the taste might be slightly different depending on the blend used.

Why does the recipe use both baking soda and baking powder?

Great question! Baking soda reacts with the acidic ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream to help the cake rise and brown. Baking powder provides additional leavening power to give the cake its lift and lightness. Using both ensures the perfect texture in every bite.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Apple Cinnamon Banana Bread Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It brings together the best of comforting flavors and a fabulous, moist texture wrapped up in a simple cake that’s impressive yet so easy to make. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to treats for anytime you want a little homemade happiness. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and get baking today!