Healthy Banana Cake

Growing up, I always had a soft spot for anything that involved bananas. The moment I discovered the Healthy Banana Cake, it felt like a sweet dream come true. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, fluffy cake that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also packs a nutrition punch! I remember baking this delightful cake on a cozy afternoon, with the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Every bite is a reminder of home, and it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Healthy Banana Cake

When it comes to baking the perfect Healthy Banana Cake, the choice of ingredients plays a pivotal role. Each ingredient not only contributes to the flavor but also adds its own unique texture and nutritional value. The key players in this recipe are ripe bananas, which offer natural sweetness, and oats, providing a hearty base. Together, they create a deliciously moist cake that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

• 1 cup dry roasted and lightly salted almonds: These nuts add a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats: A perfect base that provides fiber and structure to the cake.
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil: This oil contributes moisture and a subtle flavor.
• 1/2 cup honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth to the cake’s flavor.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• 1 cup mashed bananas: The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: It activates with the acidity in the bananas to create a fluffier cake.
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: This adds a warm, comforting spice to the cake.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to bind the ingredients together without flour.
• 4 ounces cream cheese: Softened, for an optional creamy frosting.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: At room temperature, for the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: An extra splash for the frosting.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: For the frosting, balancing sweetness.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A hint of spice in the frosting.
• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar: To sweeten the frosting to your liking.
• banana chips: Optional, for topping the cake.
• Coarsely chopped almonds: Optional, for adding a crunchy topping.

How to Prepare Healthy Banana Cake

Preparing the Healthy Banana Cake is a breeze! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, moist cake ready to enjoy in no time. Let’s dive into the process—trust me, the end result is absolutely worth it.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven heats up, take your 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully. Lightly grease the paper with cooking spray for extra assurance. Set the pan aside.

2. Next, peel the bananas and place them into a bowl. Using a fork, mash them until you achieve a smooth consistency. It’s crucial to spoon the mash into a measuring cup and fill it to the top for an accurate measurement—this will help the cake turn out perfectly moist.

3. For the batter, gather your powerful blender (a Blend-tec or Vitamix works beautifully!). Into the blender, add the almonds, oats, coconut oil (remember to melt it first), honey, and the measured, mashed bananas. Pulse all these ingredients together until you reach a fairly smooth texture, which should take about 60 seconds.

4. Now it’s time to add the rest of the cake ingredients. Toss in the baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Blend these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take another minute or two. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the edges if needed to ensure everything is well blended.

5. Once everything is combined, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to scrape every last bit out of the blender and smooth the top of the batter for an even bake.

6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 38 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the edges are lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I find that 35 minutes is perfect in my oven!

7. While the cake is baking, let’s prepare the optional frosting! In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer, beat these together until you achieve a smooth consistency.

8. Next, add in the remaining vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt. Mix this together until smooth, then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Beat it in between additions until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

9. Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it! Spread your desired amount of frosting on top of the cake. The batch makes quite a bit, so feel free to use it all or save some for your pancakes or waffles later. If you’d like, add coarsely chopped almonds and top each slice with a banana chip for an extra touch!

Substitutions and Tips

No matter how you like to bake, having tips and tricks up your sleeve can elevate your Healthy Banana Cake experience. Here are some thoughtful suggestions to help you along the way:

• Storage: Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping layers of parchment paper between slices will prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep well for about 2 to 3 months.
• Variations: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits to customize your cake.
• Serving Suggestion: Try serving it warm with a dollop of yogurt on top for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Frosting Options: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your thing, consider a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute almonds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Health Boost: Add a handful of raisins or chopped dates for additional sweetness and nutrition.

How to Serve Healthy Banana Cake

Serving the Healthy Banana Cake can be as versatile as the cake itself. Here are some practical ways to present this delightful treat:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve a slice of cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a balanced breakfast.
• Snack Time: It’s perfect as a mid-afternoon snack—pair it with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Birthday Celebrate: Decorate with extra frosting and sprinkles for birthday parties or special occasions.
• Gatherings: Cut into squares and serve at brunches or family gatherings; it’s sure to impress!
• Seasonal Pairing: In the fall, serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a seasonal twist. In summer, consider some fresh berries on the side.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, ensure to keep them in an airtight container. This cake stays moist and delicious for days.
• Layered Cake: For a more indulgent version, layer two cakes with frosting in between for a showstopper dessert.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Healthy Banana Cake is a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, making it a delightful option for any meal or occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and indulge in a slice of this wholesome treat. Whether it’s a special gathering or a simple family dinner, this cake is sure to impress everyone and become a favorite in your household.

Healthy Banana Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Healthy Banana Cake is a moist, nutritious treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with hearty oats. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy recipe will have you craving more. Make it tonight and indulge in a slice of deliciousness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 16 slices

Calories 221 kcal

Equipment

• Blender
• 8 x 8-inch baking pan
• Parchment Paper
• Hand Mixer

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dry roasted and lightly salted almonds
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• banana chips optional, for topping
• Coarsely chopped almonds optional, for topping

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven heats up, take your 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your cake doesn't stick and comes out beautifully. Lightly grease the paper with cooking spray for extra assurance. Set the pan aside.
• Next, peel the bananas and place them into a bowl. Using a fork, mash them until you achieve a smooth consistency. It’s crucial to spoon the mash into a measuring cup and fill it to the top for an accurate measurement—this will help the cake turn out perfectly moist.
• For the batter, gather your powerful blender (a Blend-tec or Vitamix works beautifully!). Into the blender, add the almonds, oats, coconut oil (remember to melt it first), honey, and the measured, mashed bananas. Pulse all these ingredients together until you reach a fairly smooth texture, which should take about 60 seconds.
• Now it's time to add the rest of the cake ingredients. Toss in the baking powder, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Blend these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take another minute or two. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the edges if needed to ensure everything is well blended.
• Once everything is combined, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to scrape every last bit out of the blender and smooth the top of the batter for an even bake.
• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 38 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when the edges are lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I find that 35 minutes is perfect in my oven!
• While the cake is baking, let’s prepare the optional frosting! In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer, beat these together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
• Next, add in the remaining vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt. Mix this together until smooth, then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Beat it in between additions until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
• Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to frost it! Spread your desired amount of frosting on top of the cake. The batch makes quite a bit, so feel free to use it all or save some for your pancakes or waffles later. If you’d like, add coarsely chopped almonds and top each slice with a banana chip for an extra touch!

Notes

Use a good, powerful blender (like Blendtec or Vitamix) to break down the almonds without overheating the machine.

Use old-fashioned oats to ensure you get the right measurement; quick or steel-cut oats are smaller, denser, and may lead to a dry cake.

This recipe uses about 2 to 3 large bananas; the riper, the sweeter!

Cornstarch provides additional support as we aren’t using flour.

Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 5 days, using parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

Keyword Banana Cake, Easy Banana Cake, healthy dessert, Nutritious Cake