Delicious Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by beatrizrecipez
There s nothing quite like the comforting scent of ripe bananas wafting through your kitchen, instantly transporting me to sunny afternoons and cozy family gatherings. When I first started experimenting with banana desserts, I stumbled upon the idea of a traybake a simple yet indulgent treat that has become my go-to for gatherings and cozy nights in alike. This Indulgent Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting effortlessly blends moist banana goodness with a rich, creamy topping, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Whether you’re sharing it over a cup of tea, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself after a long day, each bite feels like a warm hug. With the option to add chocolate chips or walnuts, and the ease of preparation, it caters to every whim and craving. Forget the fast food let s create homemade warmth with this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your dessert game!
Why is Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting so special?
Simple to Make: Whip this treat up effortlessly, perfect for baking novices and experts alike.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The rich, creamy frosting and moist banana base create a dessert everyone will love.
Versatile Options: Add chocolate chips for indulgence or walnuts for crunch customize it to your liking!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Stay Fresh Longer: Enjoy this traybake for up to 3 days, making it a convenient treat to satisfy those sweet cravings!
Banana Traybake Ingredients
Get ready to bake with these simple ingredients!
For the Batter
- Golden Caster Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture; feel free to use regular granulated sugar if preferred.
- Ripe Bananas The stars of the show, providing natural sweetness; overripe bananas yield the best results.
- Flavourless Oil (Sunflower or Grapeseed) Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil can add a unique twist.
- Eggs Essential for structure and moisture; flax eggs work for a vegan option.
- Wholemeal or Rye Flour Offers texture and nutrition; swap with all-purpose flour for a lighter cake.
- Plain Flour Helps provide structure; opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Baking Powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully; check its freshness for best results.
- White Chocolate Chips or Chopped Walnuts (Optional) Introduces richness and texture; dark chocolate chips or pecans make great substitutes.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter Creates a creamy texture for the frosting; vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Icing Sugar (Sieved) Essential for sweetness and a smooth frosting; no direct substitutes work here.
- Full-fat Cream Cheese Gives the frosting its creamy base; try vegan cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
- Large Pinch of Cinnamon For dusting, enhances the overall flavor and presentation.
Embrace the joy of baking with this banana traybake with cream cheese frosting and treat yourself and loved ones with every delightful slice!
How to Make Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) and prepare a 25 x 20 cm traybake tin by lining it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
Whisk together the golden caster sugar, mashed ripe bananas, flavourless oil, and eggs in a large bowl until everything is well combined and smooth.
Mix in the wholemeal or rye flour, plain flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix for the best texture.
Fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts if you’re using them. Then gently transfer the mixture into your lined tin, making sure it s evenly spread.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is firm, springy to touch, and lightly browned. Allow it to cool in the tin once baked.
Prepare the frosting by beating the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and fold in the full-fat cream cheese carefully, mixing only until smooth.
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake once it has completely cooled. Dust lightly with cinnamon before slicing into squares to serve.
Optional: Serve with a side of fresh fruits for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Banana Traybake
Choose Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. This maximizes sweetness and makes mashing easy for your banana traybake.
Mix Just Enough: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the texture light and fluffy. Stir until combined lumps are okay!
Gentle Frosting Technique: For a creamy frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. Mix until just smooth to prevent excess air.
Watch the Baking Time: Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. It should spring back when touched and not be too dry.
Add Personal Touches: Experiment with different add-ins like dark chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist on your banana traybake.
What to Serve with Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
The perfect banana traybake deserves a delightful meal spread that elevates your dessert experience and creates a feast for the senses.
Fresh Berries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a refreshing contrast and adding vibrant color to your plate. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries make a lovely addition.
Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai complement the warm flavors of cinnamon and banana, enhancing your dessert with cozy comfort. Serve it hot to wrap your taste buds in warmth.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm traybake. The rich creaminess pairs perfectly with the moist cake and tangy frosting for an indulgent treat.
Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added crunch, bringing a delightful texture that contrasts with the softness of the cake. It s a great way to enhance the nutty flavor if you ve included them in the bake.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel adds a rich and buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the banana flavors. It’s a simple way to elevate your serving experience.
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Add a touch of decadence with shavings of dark chocolate on top of each slice. The bitterness of the chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the banana traybake.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: A cool beverage like freshly squeezed lemonade or a refreshing glass of iced tea balances out the dessert’s sweetness, making your gathering even more enjoyable.
Each of these accompaniments promises to create a delicious, inviting atmosphere that makes your banana traybake with cream cheese frosting feel even more extraordinary!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking for a delicious dessert! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients and storing the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you d like to go further, bake the traybake and let it cool completely before refrigerating for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. When you re ready to serve, simply frost the cake with the cream cheese frosting and dust with cinnamon just before enjoying. With this prep, you ll have a delightful treat ready to impress with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Traybake
Room Temperature: Store your banana traybake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered will help maintain its moist texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze any leftovers by wrapping individual slices in foil, then placing them in a zip-top bag. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in an oven at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your banana traybake with cream cheese frosting!
Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Feel free to enhance your baking experience by customizing this recipe with delightful twists!
- Chocolate Chips: Add rich dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with banana.
- Nuts: For added crunch, sprinkle in chopped pecans or walnuts perfect for those who crave texture.
- Spices: Swap cinnamon with ground nutmeg or allspice for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor an unexpected yet enticing change.
- Frosting Flavor: Consider infusing your cream cheese frosting with a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an aromatic surprise.
- Fruit Boost: Fold in a handful of blueberries or strawberries for a fruity surprise that balances the sweetness of the banana.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese for a fabulous dairy-free option don’t sacrifice taste!
- Coconut Flakes: Mix in unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical twist that will transport you instantly to paradise with every slice.
- Zesty Lemon: Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus kick that beautifully complements the banana’s sweetness.
Remember, each variation allows for your creativity to shine, making every bite unique and just as delightful!
Banana Traybake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What ripeness of bananas is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal for this banana traybake, as their soft texture and brown spots mean maximum natural sweetness and easy mashing. Aim for bananas that are well past their yellow stage, with plenty of dark spots all over to ensure a deliciously moist cake.
How should I store my banana traybake?
Very important! Store your banana traybake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, just make sure to let it come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste.
Can I freeze the banana traybake?
Of course! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in foil to protect them from freezer burn. Place the wrapped slices into a zip-top freezer bag, and those delightful treats will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
What if my banana traybake turns out dry?
Don t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your traybake is dry, it may have been overbaked always check for that spring-back texture a few minutes before the timer goes off. If it s too late and you do have dry cake, try serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzling some milk or custard over the slices for added moisture; it s a delicious way to rescue the dessert!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! This banana traybake is vegetarian-friendly, and you can easily adapt it for vegans using flax eggs and vegan butter, as well as substituting regular cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Always check for potential allergens, such as nuts from walnuts or chocolate chips, if serving to guests.
Can I add other mix-ins to my banana traybake?
Very much so! Get creative! You can swap in dark chocolate chips for a rich twist, or try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of coconut. Each addition offers a unique flavor profile while complementing the banana and cream cheese frosting beautifully. Enjoy experimenting!