Our Irresistibly Moist and Delicious Vegan Banana Cake Recipe

Banana cake is one of those timeless desserts that feels both comforting and indulgent. This vegan version is moist, tender, and naturally sweet, with a soft crumb that pairs beautifully with a simple glaze or creamy dairy-free frosting. 

It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and makes a perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or just an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

This recipe uses simple, plant-based ingredients and comes together in one bowl, making it as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.

Why This Vegan Banana Cake Is a Favorite

This banana cake is loved for its flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a household staple.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Naturally moist and soft, thanks to ripe bananas
• Made with pantry-friendly, plant-based ingredients
• Quick and easy to mix in just one bowl
• Perfect with or without frosting
• Ideal for celebrations, snacks, or a light dessert
• A great way to reduce food waste by using overripe bananas

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana Cake

This cake is simple yet full of natural sweetness and flavor.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
• ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or avocado)
• ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 to 3 bananas)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
• A handful of shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Vegan Banana Cake

Making this cake is straightforward and quick, with no complicated steps required. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8-inch square cake pan or a loaf pan with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
   
3. Mash and combine wet ingredients
   In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the sugar, oil, plant milk, vinegar, and vanilla, then stir until well combined.
   
4. Combine wet and dry
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   
5. Add optional mix-ins
   If you’re using nuts, chocolate chips, or coconut, fold them into the batter.
   
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   
7. Cool
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.

Simple Frosting and Topping Ideas for Vegan Banana Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but can be dressed up with easy toppings:

• Spread with vegan cream cheese frosting for a classic pairing
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk
• Top with a layer of coconut whipped cream and fresh fruit
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or toasted coconut
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple finish

Easy Variations To Change Up This Vegan Banana Cake

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced version
• Mix in ½ cup of crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor
• Replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cake
• Add a swirl of peanut butter or almond butter to the batter before baking
• Turn the batter into 12 cupcakes and bake for 18 to 20 minutes

How to Store Vegan Banana Cake

Banana cake keeps its moisture and flavor well, making it perfect for baking in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. 

For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole cake (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This moist and delicious vegan banana cake is proof that plant-based baking can be simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that works for everything from casual snacks to celebrations. 

Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with your favorite frosting, this cake is a comforting treat that everyone will love.

Our Irresistibly Moist and Delicious Vegan Banana Cake Recipe

Recipe by Jess Miller

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar

• ½ cup neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or avocado)

• ½ cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 to 3 bananas)

Directions

• Preheat the oven
• Mix the dry ingredients
• Mash and combine wet ingredients
• Combine wet and dry
• Add optional mix-ins
• Bake
• Cool