Got a bunch of brown, spotty bananas sitting on the counter? Don’t throw them out—turn them into a soft, flavorful banana cake that’s perfect for snacking, brunch, or dessert.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a quick and easy banana cake using overripe bananas, plus tips for keeping it moist and delicious every time.
Why Use Overripe Bananas?
- Naturally sweet and soft
- Easy to mash and mix
- Adds rich flavor and moisture
- No need for added sugar (or less of it)
- Reduces food waste in a delicious way!
Best Type of Bananas for Cake
Choose bananas that are:
- Very ripe, soft, and heavily speckled
- Not moldy or leaking (but deep brown skin is fine)
- The riper the banana, the sweeter the cake
Easy Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2–3 overripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or 8-inch round pan.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas. Add eggs, oil, sugar/honey, and vanilla. Whisk well.
- Sift in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overmix once flour is added
- Use room temperature eggs for a better texture
- For extra moisture, add 2 tbsp yogurt or applesauce
- Want a deeper flavor? Add 1 tsp of instant coffee or espresso powder
- Sprinkle raw sugar on top before baking for a nice crust
Simple Toppings (Optional)
- Sliced bananas on top (before baking)
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Lemon glaze
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Cream cheese spread
Storage
- Room temperature: 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freeze: up to 2 months (slice before freezing for easy access)
Sweet, Simple, and Zero Waste
This banana cake is proof that overripe bananas are a treasure, not trash. With just a few ingredients, you can turn those soft, spotty bananas into a moist, bakery-worthy cake that’s perfect for any time of day. So the next time your bananas go brown—bake, don’t toss.
