Go Back

Moist Easy Banana Cake - Soft, Flavorful, and Foolproof

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature if possible)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (adds moisture and tenderness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but lovely)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan with parchment.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. You should have about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and glossy.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  5. Bring it together: Sprinkle the dry mix over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small streaks of flour are fine.
  6. Pan and level: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake: Bake for 30–38 minutes, depending on your pan and oven. The cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a rack if you plan to frost. For serving plain, you can slice while slightly warm.
  9. Make the frosting (optional): Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread a generous layer of frosting over the cooled cake. Slice into squares and enjoy.