Simple Banana Cake Recipe
Are you looking to upgrade your banana bread recipe? Banana snack cake is like banana bread…but better. It's just as simple and easy, but even more delicious with the perfect banana flavor! It's pretty and perfect for snacking, or you can serve it as a dessert. Just thinking about it makes me want a cup of coffee to sip and snack all afternoon. The cream cheese and hint of almond flavor make this recipe absolutely mouth-watering.
What's the difference between banana bread and banana snack cake?
No doubt, banana bread is a tried and true recipe; however, next time you reach for your overripe bananas, you'll want to give this banana cake recipe a try instead. This recipe tastes a lot like banana bread but is a little less dense and definitely more fluffy than traditional banana bread!
Banana snack cake includes a few ingredients that differentiate it from its banana bread cousin:
- Banana cake includes cream cheese, not as a cream cheese frosting, but right there in the batter! This creates a lighter and fluffier cake than banana bread.
- Banana snack cake also uses brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Banana bread uses fewer eggs and butter, so banana snack cake tends to be much more moist.
These differences in ingredients are also why banana bread is a much denser cake. Banana bread is also not as sweet or creamy in texture as our banana snack cake. This texture and flavor are what make banana snack cake pair so well with a cup of coffee or makes such a perfect afternoon snack for your kids. This is one of those easy recipes you'll love to bake and your kids will love to eat!
Protip: Make it extra!
Almond extract is optional but adds a subtle flavor to this cake. It can be left out or substituted for more vanilla extract.
What is banana cake made of?
Ready to bake this banana snack cake recipe? Here's what you'll need to make your new favorite recipe:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Ripe bananas
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)
Protip: Make it pretty!
Powdered sugar is optional but recommended! It makes this banana snack cake look so pretty!
How do I make this banana snack cake?
Creating this moist banana cake is super easy! You won't believe the perfect way this banana flavor mixes with the almond and vanilla.
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- Preheat the oven and line a square pan with parchment paper. Whip the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until they are creamy and fluffy.
- Add the rest of the wet ingredients to the creamed butter, and stir until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients and mix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar if using, slice, and serve!
And just like that, your banana snack cake is ready to serve! Pair it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon for a wonderful midday treat, or serve it as the perfect dessert to end a family meal.
The perfect recipe for an afternoon treat
You don't need a big group or gathering for an excuse to make this perfect recipe. This easy banana cake recipe beats out all the other banana recipes out there. It's the best thing for an after-school snack when your kids arrive home from school.
The banana flavor gives this recipe a fresh taste, while the cream cheese and brown sugar make it the perfect moist banana cake for snacking or enjoying after dinner. The best part is that you can keep coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!
Storing your banana cake
This banana snack cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. If you'd like, you can even pop a slice in the microwave to enjoy it nice and warm again!
The perfect recipe for any day!
With this banana snack cake recipe in your back pocket, you have a perfect snacking cake for any occasion. Bake it as a treat for yourself throughout the week or to serve to guests after a dinner party or meal! One thing is for sure- after you try it, you'll want to make it all the time!
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📖 Recipe
Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup cream cheese 2 ounces
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3 ripe bananas mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Powdered sugar optional for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8"x8" pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together ¼ cup unsalted butter, ¼ cup cream cheese, and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and 3 ripe bananas until well combined.
- Add 1 cup of the flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and the ½ teaspoon baking soda and mix until combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until done in the middle.
- Allow to cool, dust with Powdered sugar, then slice and serve!
Notes
- Powdered sugar is optional but recommended. It makes this banana snack cake look so pretty!
- Almond extract is optional but adds a subtle flavor to this cake. It can be left out or substituted with more vanilla extract.
- This cake keeps well stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
I know Instagram is full of fancy cakes, but I think we need to bring back the beautiful simplicity of snack cakes! No spending hours piping fancy decorations (unless that brings you joy), just a simple, delicious treat to enjoy with afternoon tea or after school. Try it! It might be your new favorite tradition!