Buttermilk Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing

A cross section of a loaf of buttermilk banana bread with cream cheese frosting drizzled on the top.

5 from 4 votes

Buttermilk Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Icing

Banana bread is a classic recipe that’s been around for ages but adding buttermilk to the batter will produce a softer, airier, and richer loaf. This quick and easy recipe is easy to whip up and is not only impressive - it is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Total Time1 5

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: buttermilk banana bread, easy banana bread

Servings: slices

Author: Kari

Equipment

loaf pan
mixing bowls

Ingredients

Buttermilk Banana Bread

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup chopped walnuts optional
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup salted butter
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas mashed

Cream Cheese Icing

2 ounces cream cheese
⅛ cup butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar sifted

Instructions

To Make the Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it.
Mix together in a medium sized bowl the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and walnuts. Set the bowl aside.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup chopped walnuts
In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then mix in the egg. Add in the buttermilk, vanilla, and mashed bananas.
¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup salted butter, 1 large egg, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 ripe bananas
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing banana bread from the pan.

To Make the Icing

Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and spreadable.
2 ounces cream cheese, ⅛ cup butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar sifted, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Place the icing in a cake decorating bag with an icing tip and drizzle over the completely cooled banana bread. Or, simply spread some on with a knife.

Notes

How to Store Banana Bread

Once cooled, store the banana bread in an air-tight container. Buttermilk banana bread is really moist, so enjoy it within 3 - 5 days.

It is really good leftover if heated up in the oven, toaster, or air fryer with a little bit of butter spread on top.

Recipe Tips

The following tips will help you to make the perfect banana bread recipe:

Use ripe bananas. You should use ripe bananas that are getting brown. If they are green at all, you definitely want to wait because they won't be sweet enough.
Do not overmix. Do not over mix your ingredients, but make sure that they are just about combined - if you overmix the batter, it won't rise.
Grease your pan. Use a loaf pan that is greased with butter or cooking spray and lined with parchment paper.

Nutrition