A family classic perfect for large gatherings, this easy banana cake recipe transforms overripe bananas into a delightful treat for all to enjoy.

This Easy Banana Cake is a recipe that brings together the cherished flavors of Grandma J’s banana bread and the convenience of a sheet pan. Enhance it with a smooth cream cheese frosting and you will have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready for your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Cake Recipe

• Familiar Flavors: Experience the warm, comforting taste of banana bread in an easy sliceable piece with frosting.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Easily serves a large group, making it ideal for parties and family events.
• Simple and Convenient: Designed for ease, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Adaptable for various dietary needs and personal preferences. See the Recipe Tips section for some ideas.

Ingredients Needed

• Unsalted butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ripe bananas
• Cream cheese frosting (optional)

Recipe Overview

Find the full recipe below in the recipe card

This Easy Banana Cake recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert. The process involves creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs. In separate bowls the dry ingredients will be blended and the bananas mashed.

Then combining the dry ingredients, mashed bananas and sugar mixture to form the banana cake batter. Once the batter is ready, it’s spread onto a prepared sheet and baked to perfection. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that pays homage to the beloved banana bread of yesteryear.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid Overmixing: To ensure a tender texture, mix the batter just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tougher cake.
• Smooth Banana Mash: Completely mash the bananas for even distribution in the batter. A fork, hand mixer, or blender can be used to achieve a consistency akin to baby food.

Substitutions

• Eggs: Use ground flaxseed mixed with water as a vegan alternative.
• Fat: Margarine, coconut oil, or applesauce can replace butter. Applesauce is a great low-calorie option.
• Sugar: Opt for a zero-calorie 1:1 sweetener for a healthier variant.

Variations

To add a personal touch or a bit of variety, consider some of these variations:

Almond icing: For a nutty twist, replace the cream cheese frosting with almond icing.

Vanilla Frosting: Not a fan of cream cheese frosting? Try a simple vanilla buttercream instead.

Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before baking, a trick my grandma used to enhance her banana bread. With the added cinnamon sugar there’s no need for additional icing or frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for preparing a day in advance. If using cream cheese frosting and frosting ahead of time, store the frosted cake in the fridge otherwise it can stay at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.

What’s the ideal ripeness for bananas used in banana bread or cake?

Overripe bananas are the best choice for their sweetness and easy mashing. This means bananas with very yellow skins with brown spots. If there’s any bruising on the fruit feel free to cut that out before mashing.

Can this easy banana cake recipe be halved?

Yes! You can halve this recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. The bake time may vary a few minutes so keep an eye on it and check for doneness starting around 24 to 25 minutes.

Storage and Freezing

Store the cake using a cover or tinfoil at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it, wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. Be aware that after freezing the cake may be more difficult to spread frosting on unless using a very soft, loose frosting.

---

Like This Easy Banana Cake Recipe?

For those who enjoy this Easy Banana Cake, there are other delightful recipes to explore. Consider my Healthy Banana Nut Bread for a healthy spin on this classic treat plus it’s dairy-free. Or my Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread which is my Grandma J’s banana bread recipe with a swirl of sweet cinnamon in the middle, making for a moist and flavorful sweet bread.

Are you feeling a little more adventurous with your flavors? My Easy Pumpkin Bars with Pumpkin Spice Frosting is divine year around! It also bakes up in a cookie sheet so there will be plenty to share.

---

This Easy Banana Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a homage to the timeless joy of baking and sharing. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe promises to bring both ease and delight to your kitchen.

Easy Banana Cake Recipe Card