Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Recipe

If there’s one show-stopper that always gets rave reviews in my kitchen, it’s the Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake. Imagine ultra-moist banana cake, swirled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling, all crowned with a glossy caramel drizzle, fresh banana slices, and a handful of crunchy cookie crumbs. This dessert balances everything you want in a perfect cake: rich banana aroma, velvety creaminess, and just the right amount of sweetness, wrapped up in a stunning, sliceable package. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or your own sweet tooth, this Bundt cake never fails to deliver smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake may be classic pantry staples, but each one plays a vital role in bringing depth of flavor, ideal texture, and beautiful presentation. Don’t skip a thing—your final cake will thank you!

• Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—brown-spotted bananas are naturally sweeter and blend effortlessly for that signature banana punch.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a tender crumb and helps all flavors bloom together in each bite.
• Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar sweetens the cake and helps with structure and browning.
• Large Eggs: Eggs bind everything and give the cake its pillowy softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on pure vanilla—it adds depth to both the batter and cream cheese swirl.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake light yet rich.
• All-Purpose Flour: Go for regular flour so the cake stays sturdy but soft.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both leaveners ensure the Bundt rises beautifully and gets airy.
• Salt: A pinch brings out all the dessert’s flavors—don’t leave it out!
• Cream Cheese: For the filling, make sure it’s softened so you get a smooth, creamy texture.
• Sugar (in Filling): Sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese mixture.
• Egg Yolk: Gives the filling richness and helps it set up perfectly when baked.
• Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade—either way, it brings an irresistible finishing touch.
• Fresh Banana Slices (for garnish): Their sunny look and delicate flavor elevate presentation and flavor.
• Crushed Vanilla Wafers or Cookie Crumbs (optional): Adds crunch and a playful touch to your gorgeous Bundt.

How to Make Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Bundt Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour your Bundt pan. This step may seem simple, but it’s the secret to a flawless release—nobody wants to see their beautiful Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake stick at the last minute!

Step 2: Make the Banana Cake Batter

Beat softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy and light. Add eggs one at a time for fluffiness, then stir in mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream until the batter is dreamy and smooth. This step forms the backbone of the cake’s moist, tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps the cake bake consistently. Fold these dry ingredients into the banana mixture gently so you don’t over-mix—just until no streaks remain.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky. It shouldn’t have lumps; a hand mixer makes this super easy. The filling adds a luscious, cheesecake-like ribbon to every bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Bundt Cake

Spoon half the banana cake batter into your prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly. Next, gently scoop the cream cheese layer over the batter—don’t mix; just layer. Top with the remaining cake batter and smooth the top, making sure the swirl stays defined after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the Bundt pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for a golden color and a clean toothpick when you test the center. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, which helps keep the cake structure and preserves that stunning Bundt shape.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Drizzle and Garnishes

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top, letting it cascade down the valleys. Decorate with fresh banana slices and a scattering of crushed vanilla wafers or cookie crumbs for that irresistible crunch and bakery-worthy finish.

How to Serve Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Garnishes

The magic touch is in the finishing flourishes: arrange banana slices on top just before serving to keep them fresh, drape silky caramel over the Bundt’s curves, and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Each bite will have you swooning over the blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy!

Side Dishes

Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is decadent all on its own, but a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes for a seriously dreamy pairing. If you’re after a lighter touch, fresh berries or a simple dollop of whipped cream work wonders alongside a warm slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Go for a dramatic look by stacking banana coins in a spiral, dusting with extra crumbs. For celebrations, add birthday candles or edible gold leaf. Or, slice and plate each piece with a little drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt to turn every serving into its own mini masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and decorated, your Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake will stay moist in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about four days. Be sure to refrigerate if your kitchen is warm—cream cheese and bananas love a bit of a chill!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole (undecorated) cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh caramel, banana slices, and crumbs just before serving for the freshest experience.

Reheating

If you love your Bundt slightly warm, microwave slices for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the crumb and make the caramel a little gooey. Avoid microwaving with banana slices on top to keep them looking and tasting freshly cut.

FAQs

Can I make this Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake without a Bundt pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have a Bundt pan, use a loaf or tube pan instead. Just be mindful of baking time—check for doneness with a toothpick as every pan may differ slightly.

What’s the best way to keep banana slices from browning?

Brush banana slices with a little lemon juice before garnishing your Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake; this slows oxidation and helps your cake look picture-perfect longer.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt makes a great stand-in for sour cream and keeps the cake equally moist and tangy.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Definitely! Store-bought caramel is wonderfully convenient, but if you’re feeling bold, homemade caramel will take your Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake to new heights.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and check that your baking powder and cookies, if used for topping, are gluten-free as well. The cake turns out deliciously even with these substitutions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a bake that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious, the Caramel & Banana Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is about to become your trusted favorite. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover firsthand just how joyful (and tempting) a slice of this beauty can be!

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