This easy banana cake is the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas sitting in your fruit bowl. The cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. Topped with a smooth cream cheese icing, it’s a delightful treat that’s simple to make. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, this banana cake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing choice that comes together in no time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare and made with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. The mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the olive oil and honey (or your choice of sweetener) keep the cake light yet rich in flavor. The cream cheese icing takes the cake to the next level, adding a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet, spiced banana cake. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas before they go to waste!
The Perfect Occasion
This banana cake is perfect for any casual gathering, whether you're making it for a family dessert, a weekend snack, or to bring to a potluck. Its simplicity and quick prep time make it a great go-to recipe when you need something comforting and homemade without a lot of effort. Because it can be stored in the fridge, it’s also a convenient make-ahead dessert that stays fresh for several days.
Decoration Tips
To make this banana cake even more appealing, consider a few simple decoration options. After spreading the cream cheese icing, sprinkle the top with a dash of cinnamon for a warm, inviting touch. You could also top the cake with banana slices or chopped walnuts to add extra flavor and texture. For a more indulgent presentation, drizzle a little honey or caramel over the icing just before serving.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup honey (or liquid sweetener of choice)
- 2/3 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 125g cream cheese (room temperature)
- 60g butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups icing sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, eggs, olive oil, honey, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix well to combine.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the cake is cooling, add the cream cheese, butter, and icing sugar to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Ice the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into 9 squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Enjoy!