The "No-Brainer" Banana Cake

Got spotty bananas? This easy banana cake recipe is a game-changer! So moist, simple, and uses just one bowl. Perfect for a quick banana bread fix. Get the recipe! ... Baking - Desserts
- Recipe Introduction
- The "No-Brainer" Banana Cake Recipe Card
- "No-Brainer" Banana Cake: So Easy, It's Bananas!
- What You'll Need for this Banana Cake Recipe
- Get Your Gear Ready!
- Ingredients & Equipment for this Easy Banana Cake Recipe
- The "No-Brainer" Banana Cake (So Easy, It's Bananas!)
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Got some bananas that are past their prime? Instead of binning them, let's bake an easy banana cake recipe ! This cake is bursting with banana flavour and a hint of cinnamon.
Brief Overview
The banana cake probably originated as a way to use up overripe bananas. this recipe is dead easy , takes around an hour, and makes enough for 8-10 slices.
It's the perfect banana dessert .
Main Benefits
This simple banana cake is packed with potassium. it's ideal for afternoon tea or a cheeky after-dinner treat. what makes this recipe special is how incredibly moist it is, thanks to the bananas.
The "No-Brainer" Banana Cake Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
"No-Brainer" Banana Cake: So Easy, It's Bananas!
Honestly, this banana cake recipe is so straightforward, it’s almost embarrassing. This isn't some fancy-pants baking challenge. Think of it as a comfy pair of slippers – familiar and comforting.
This quick banana cake recipe is perfect if you want something delicious, but are short on time or motivation. it's ideal for a school bake sale or a relaxed weekend banana dessert recipes .
And the best part? minimal washing up!
It's really an easy banana bread recipe adapted for cake form.

What You'll Need for this Banana Cake Recipe
Right, let's gather our bits. You'll need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) plain flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113g) softened unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
Optional Extras:
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (for topping)
We are gonna be working on turning these bananas into a moist banana loaf recipe .
Get Your Gear Ready!
You won’t need much fancy equipment for this one bowl banana cake . Just the basics:
- 9x5 inch loaf tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (a hand mixer is fine)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Honestly, if you've got a bowl and a spoon, you can probably still make this quick banana cake recipe work! Let's get baking, shall we? This banana dessert recipes won't make themselves.
Ingredients & Equipment for this Easy Banana Cake Recipe
So, you wanna bake an easy banana cake? awesome! it's simpler than ordering a takeaway. this recipe is perfect for turning those brown bananas into a banana dessert .
Let's dive into what you'll need.
Main Ingredients, Sorted by Stage
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients. I've grouped them, so it's super straightforward. My nan always says "proper prep prevents poor performance!" and Honestly, she's right, getting organised is key.
Dry Stuff First:
- 2 cups ( 250g ) all-purpose flour (plain flour). Plain flour is your best bet here.
- 1 teaspoon ( 5g ) baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Don't skip this! It helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ) ground cinnamon. Adds a lovely warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25g ) salt. Balances the sweetness.
Then, the Wet Wonders:
- 1/2 cup ( 113g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened. Make sure it's actually soft, not melted.
- 3/4 cup ( 150g ) granulated sugar (caster sugar). Caster sugar gives the best texture.
- 2 large eggs. Free-range if you can!
- 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract is the bomb.
- 1 cup (approximately 3 medium) mashed ripe bananas ( 240g ). The riper, the better for this Banana Cake Recipe . We're talking spotty, almost black. They’re sweeter and give the cake that amazing banana flavour.
Optional bits:
- 1/2 cup ( 60g ) chopped walnuts or pecans (for topping). Totally optional but adds a nice crunch.
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon is the star here, complementing the banana dessert recipes brilliantly. a dash of nutmeg also works if you fancy.
Vanilla extract enhances the flavour. no extract? a tablespoon of rum will do, if you're feeling naughty.
Equipment Needed for this Banana Cake
You don't need fancy gadgets to whip up this quick banana cake recipe . Basic kitchen stuff will do.
- 9x5 inch loaf pan. This size is ideal.
- Mixing bowls. One for wet, one for dry.
- Electric mixer (hand mixer is fine). Makes creaming butter and sugar easier.
- Rubber spatula. Essential for scraping the bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Accuracy is key in baking.
- Wire rack. For cooling the cake. A must-have!
You could use a regular bowl and whisk if you don't have an electric mixer. it just takes a bit more elbow grease.
A cake is best on a wire rack, but honestly, a clean tea towel works in a pinch. this simple banana cake doesn't need to be complicated.
If you need a one bowl banana cake recipe, just mix all the ingredients together in one bowl in the order they appear.
It will be equally delicious! a great option is a moist banana loaf recipe where the wet ingredients are mixed first then the dry ingredients are added on top!
The "No-Brainer" Banana Cake (So Easy, It's Bananas!)
Honestly, who doesn't love banana cake ? it's the ultimate comfort food, especially when you need to use up those bananas that are starting to look a bit too friendly with the fruit bowl! this easy banana cake recipe is seriously foolproof.
It's so simple, it's practically impossible to mess up, perfect for a last-minute treat or a bake sale offering.
This isn't some fancy-pants recipe. Think moist, tender, and bursting with banana flavour. A hint of cinnamon elevates it from simple to sublime. You know? Just a little something extra.
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place. Before you start, get everything ready! It makes life so much easier.
- Grab your 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt. Pop them in a bowl.
- Get your ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup mashed bananas ready too. Boom.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. No one likes a cake stuck to the pan.
Time-saving tip: Mash those bananas ahead of time. You can even freeze them! Defrost when you're ready to bake this simple banana cake .
Step-by-Step Process
This Banana Cake Recipe is a breeze!
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 3- 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the mashed bananas until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts if you like.
- Bake for 50- 60 minutes , or until a skewer comes out clean.
Visual cue: The cake should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
Pro Tips
Want to take your quick banana cake recipe to the next level?
- Don't overmix! Seriously. It's the biggest mistake people make. Overmixing leads to a tough cake.
- Ripe bananas are key. The blacker, the better! They're sweeter and give the cake more flavour. This also works great for Banana Dessert Recipes.
- Make-ahead? Absolutely! This moist banana loaf recipe actually tastes even better the next day. Wrap it well and store at room temperature.
Honestly, this easy banana bread recipe (it's basically the same thing, right?) is one of my all-time favourites. it's a hug in cake form.
Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! give it a try, and let me know what you think!
This one bowl banana cake is an absolute lifesaver when you crave something sweet and comforting. And, hey, if you're feeling fancy, add some chocolate chips. You won't regret it!
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this "no-brainer" banana cake recipe . think of these as little cheat sheets to make your baking experience even smoother.
I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, so i'm sharing my secrets! this simple banana cake is a classic.
Recipe Notes
Let's talk about the important stuff, shall we?
Serving Suggestions: Go Wild!
Right, presentation matters, even if it's just for you! i love a simple slice of this easy banana cake recipe on a plate.
But feel free to get fancy! a dusting of icing sugar looks posh. you could even add a blob of whipped cream.
For drinks? tea or coffee always works. my fave? a cheeky glass of baileys!
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
This banana dessert keeps well, honestly. to keep it moist, wrap it tightly in cling film or foil. it'll last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
You can also freeze it! just wrap individual slices in cling film. then, pop them in a freezer bag. they'll be good for up to 2 months.
To reheat, just let it thaw at room temperature. or, give it a quick zap in the microwave.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want to mix things up? course you do!. for a healthier twist, try using wholemeal flour. it adds a nutty flavour.
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil. it gives it a tropical vibe. feel free to swap out normal sugar with a sugar free alternative like stevia to give this recipe a healthy boost.
Looking for banana dessert recipes ? add some chocolate chips to the batter!. it's always a good idea. you can even try different nuts.
Think pecans or macadamias.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, so it's cake. but it's got bananas! and banana recipes like this one can be a good way to use up old fruit.
Bananas are full of potassium. potassium is important for healthy blood pressure. this quick banana cake recipe also contains fibre from the flour.
Fibre helps you feel full. but remember, it's still cake! enjoy in moderation. this easy banana bread recipe is a tasty treat.
It's way better than shop-bought, i promise. we are looking to create a moist banana loaf recipe . it is a one bowl banana cake .
Honestly, this easy banana cake recipe is so forgiving. Don't stress too much about perfection. Just have fun and enjoy the process. Happy baking, you legend!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this easy banana cake recipe? I want to make it ahead of time.
Absolutely! This easy banana cake recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it completely at room temperature before slicing and serving; it's perfect for a spontaneous afternoon tea!
My banana cake always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong with this easy banana cake recipe?
Dry banana cake is a common baking woe, a right pain! Usually, it's down to either over-baking or over-measuring the flour. Make sure you're measuring your flour correctly (spooning it into the cup instead of scooping) and start checking the cake for doneness around 50 minutes. A skewer should come out clean, but with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Can I use different types of flour for this easy banana cake recipe?
While all-purpose flour (plain flour) works best for this easy banana cake recipe, you can experiment with other options. For a slightly denser cake, try using whole wheat flour, but you may need to add a touch more liquid. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
What can I add to spice up my easy banana cake recipe?
Time to get creative with add-ins, Bake Off style! Besides the suggested walnuts or pecans, consider adding chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white!), chopped dates, raisins, or even a swirl of peanut butter. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon will also add a lovely warmth. Be mindful not to add too many extras that will impact the rise of the cake.
My bananas aren't ripe enough. Is there anything I can do to ripen them faster for this easy banana cake recipe?
We've all been there, staring at slightly-too-firm bananas. To speed up ripening, place the bananas in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas released by the other fruit will accelerate the ripening process. Alternatively, you can bake the unpeeled bananas in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, until they are soft and the skins have blackened. Let them cool before mashing.