Moist & Fluffy Banana Snack Cake with Decadent Peanut Butter Honey Frosting
Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Banana Snack Cake! It’s a remarkably fluffy and intensely flavorful banana cake, perfectly complemented by a rich, creamy, and irresistible peanut butter honey buttercream frosting. This moist and easy banana cake recipe takes humble overripe bananas and transforms them into a sublime treat, getting an extra boost of flavor and tenderness from the inclusion of sour cream and a hint of warm cinnamon.
Forget dry, bland banana bread! This delightful banana snack cake is designed for pure enjoyment, whether you’re craving a quick bite, a satisfying dessert, or a charming addition to your next brunch spread. Its tender crumb and vibrant flavors make it a versatile favorite that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
While banana bread certainly had its moment in 2020, the timeless appeal of banana flavor continues to inspire new and exciting baked goods. I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to use those browning bananas on the counter, and this moist banana cake truly hit the mark. It offers all the comforting flavors you adore in banana bread but elevated into a light and airy cake, crowned with a truly exceptional frosting.
If you find yourself with two or three overripe bananas ripening on your counter, congratulations! You’re perfectly poised to whip up this fantastic banana snack cake. And if you have an even larger bounty of bananas, be sure to explore my other delicious recipes like the delightful Banana Nutella Muffins or the comforting Honey Banana Bread! This snack cake, however, might just become your new go-to for its sheer simplicity and incredible taste.
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Why You’ll Adore This Easy Banana Snack Cake
This isn’t just another banana cake; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: This cake is a celebration of classic flavors, bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the nutty richness of peanut butter, all balanced with a subtle hint of honey. This pairing creates a harmonious and deeply satisfying taste profile that’s truly one of my all-time favorite combinations. Each bite delivers a comforting and wholesome experience.
- Quick and Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the delicious results fool you – this banana snacking cake recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make. You can have this delightful cake ready from start to finish in less than an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous baking urges or when you need a speedy treat for unexpected guests. Minimal fuss, maximum flavor!
- Unmatched Moisture and Richness: Thanks to the inclusion of sour cream, this banana cake boasts an incredibly rich and moist crumb. The sour cream adds a delicate tang and helps keep the cake exceptionally tender and soft, ensuring it never dries out. This secret ingredient is key to its wonderfully plush texture.
- Warm and Inviting Spice: A touch of cinnamon is the only spice you’ll need, but it plays a crucial role. It adds a warm, inviting depth to the banana cake, complementing the natural sweetness of the fruit without overpowering it. This subtle spice elevates the overall flavor, making it feel cozy and comforting.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast item to start your day, a satisfying afternoon snack to curb those cravings, or a charming dessert to cap off a meal, this light and fluffy banana cake fits the bill perfectly. Its snackable size and appealing flavor make it suitable for any time.
- A Cake-Inspired Twist on a Favorite: If you’re a fan of my popular banana baked donuts recipe, you’ll find this cake offers a similar, beloved flavor profile but in an easy-to-slice cake form. It captures that same delicious essence in a different, equally enjoyable presentation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Snack Cake
Crafting this delightful banana snack cake requires a selection of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- You’ll need about two overripe bananas. This is crucial for the cake’s flavor and moisture. Look for bananas that have developed many brown spots or are almost entirely brown. They should be very soft to the touch, and you should be able to distinctly smell their sweet, fruity aroma through the peel. The riper they are, the sweeter and more intense the banana flavor will be in your cake.
- Room temperature unsalted butter is key for both the cake and the frosting. For the cake, it helps create a rich, tender crumb as it creams smoothly with the sugar, incorporating air for a light texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in the recipe, ensuring perfect balance.
- Sour cream is the secret ingredient for an incredibly fluffy and moist cake. Its acidity helps tenderize the gluten in the flour, resulting in a super soft texture, while its fat content adds richness and prevents the cake from drying out. Ensure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
- The only spice you’ll need is cinnamon. A modest amount adds a wonderful warmth and depth to the banana cake, enhancing its natural sweetness without overpowering it. It provides that classic, comforting aroma often associated with delicious baked goods.
- For the heavenly buttercream frosting, you’ll need creamy peanut butter and honey. The peanut butter brings a fantastic nutty flavor and creamy texture, while honey adds natural sweetness and a unique floral note that complements the banana beautifully. Choose a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best frosting consistency.
For precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located below.
Delicious Substitutions & Creative Variations
While this banana snack cake recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for delightful modifications to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some popular substitutions and creative variations to consider:
- Make it a Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips: For all the chocolate lovers out there, adding chocolate chips is an absolute must! You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer – semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate all work wonderfully. My personal favorite are mini chocolate chips because they distribute more evenly throughout the batter, ensuring a little burst of chocolate in every bite without sinking to the bottom. Simply fold about ½ cup to ¾ cup of chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the pan.
- Frosting Alternatives: Not everyone is a fan of the peanut butter and honey combination, or perhaps you’re looking for a different flavor profile. No problem! You can easily swap in a classic vanilla buttercream for a universally loved taste. For a tangy twist, a rich cream cheese frosting would also be absolutely divine. Consider cutting the recipe in half from my Cowboy Cookie Cake for a perfect amount. If you’re feeling adventurous and love chocolate, try the decadent whipped chocolate ganache from my Banoffee Cupcakes – it pairs wonderfully with banana!
- Add Chopped Nuts for Texture: For those who appreciate a delightful crunch in their cake, adding chopped nuts to the batter is a fantastic idea. Walnuts are a classic and highly recommended addition to any banana bread or cake, offering a complementary earthy flavor and a satisfying textural contrast. Pecans would also be a delicious choice. Fold in about ½ cup of your favorite chopped nuts along with the dry ingredients.
- Spices Beyond Cinnamon: While cinnamon provides a lovely warmth, feel free to experiment with other spices. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or a touch of ground ginger can add another layer of complexity to your banana cake, creating a unique and personalized flavor experience.
Please note: This specific recipe has not been extensively tested with other substitutions or variations beyond those suggested. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, we would be absolutely thrilled to hear how it turned out! Please share your creative culinary adventures and results in the comments section below to help out other bakers!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Your Banana Snack Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious and moist banana snack cake with ease. Detailed guidance is provided to ensure baking success!
Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas. In a medium-sized bowl, take your very brown, overripe bananas and mash them thoroughly using a fork, an electric mixer on low speed, or a potato masher. Aim for a consistently lumpy consistency, not a smooth puree, as these small banana chunks will add texture and pockets of flavor to your finished cake. Ensure you measure out exactly one cup of mashed bananas for optimal results.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk well for about 30 seconds to ensure the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial for an even rise and consistent flavor in your cake.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes visibly light, pale, and fluffy. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cake’s tender texture. Next, beat in the large egg, followed by the vanilla extract, and then the room temperature sour cream, mixing each until just combined before adding the next. Finally, gently fold in the mashed bananas, ensuring they are well integrated into the wet mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry & Bake. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring on low speed or by hand until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Pour the smooth batter evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan, which should be lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 22-28 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This full cooling is essential before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Peanut Butter Honey Frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, golden honey, and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the frosting is smooth, light, and wonderfully fluffy. If the frosting appears too thick or dry for spreading, gradually add a small amount of heavy cream or milk, about ½ to 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Be sure to mix until fully incorporated after each addition.
Step 6: Frost and Serve. Once the banana cake has cooled completely to room temperature – this is vital to prevent the frosting from melting – spread the luscious peanut butter honey buttercream evenly over the top. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, sprinkle some honey roasted peanuts over the frosting and drizzle a little extra honey, if desired. Slice the cake into 9 or 16 squares, depending on your preferred serving size, and prepare to enjoy this delightful creation!
Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Banana Snack Cake
Achieving a consistently perfect banana snack cake is easier with a few insider tips. These expert suggestions will help you maximize flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment of your homemade treat:
- Revive Under-Ripe Bananas: Don’t have perfectly overripe, brown bananas on hand? No worries! You can quickly “ripen” them by roasting them in their peels. Place yellow bananas on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the peels are completely black and the bananas are very soft and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before mashing. This process intensifies their sweetness and makes them ideal for baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For a smooth, evenly mixed batter and a light, airy cake texture, ensure all your wet ingredients – especially the butter, egg, and sour cream – are at room temperature. Cold ingredients don’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy batter and a denser cake. Take them out of the fridge at least 30-60 minutes before you plan to start baking.
- Proper Pan Preparation for Easy Release: To guarantee your cake comes out of the pan effortlessly, I highly recommend spraying your 8×8 inch baking pan with a non-stick baking spray, then lining it with sheets of parchment paper. Arrange the parchment paper perpendicularly across the pan, creating “slings” that extend up and over the edges. This creates handles, making it incredibly simple to lift the cooled cake right out of the pan without any sticking or crumbling.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, rubbery cake instead of the desired fluffy, tender crumb. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting! It’s absolutely crucial that your banana cake is completely cooled to room temperature before you apply the peanut butter honey buttercream. If the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt, slide off, and create a messy result. A wire rack helps speed up the cooling process.
- Accurate Measuring for Best Results: While cup measurements are provided, for the most consistent and professional baking results, especially with flour, I always recommend weighing your dry ingredients in grams (g) using a digital food scale. This eliminates inconsistencies that can arise from different packing methods in volume measurements, ensuring your cake has the perfect balance of ingredients every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Banana Snack Cake
Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious and easy banana snack cake:
While I love a good banana bread, this snack cake offers a few distinct advantages! First, it’s baked in an 8×8 inch pan, which yields perfectly portioned square slices – typically 9 to 16, ideal for easy snacking and sharing. More importantly, it features a decadent frosting on top, elevating it from a simple bread to a delightful dessert. The frosting adds an extra layer of flavor and richness that banana bread typically lacks. If you prefer it unfrosted, this cake also offers a larger surface area of that wonderfully soft, moist top crust, which many consider the best part! Plus, it generally takes less time to bake than a dense loaf of banana bread, getting you to deliciousness faster.
Proper storage is key to keeping your banana snack cake fresh and delicious. If your cake is frosted with the peanut butter honey buttercream (or any dairy-based frosting), it should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh and moist for up to 1 week. If you’ve opted to leave your cake unfrosted, it can happily be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful texture and flavor.
This banana snack cake is wonderfully versatile and tastes fantastic even unfrosted for a simpler treat. However, if you’re looking for alternative frosting options, I highly recommend a classic cream cheese frosting. Its tangy sweetness perfectly complements the banana. You could try cutting the cream cheese frosting recipe in half from my popular Cowboy Cookie Cake for a perfect fit. For chocolate enthusiasts, the rich whipped chocolate ganache from my Banoffee Cupcakes would also be an incredible pairing, creating a more indulgent, dessert-like experience. Feel free to get creative with your favorite frostings!
Storage Solutions for Your Banana Snack Cake
Ensure your delicious banana snack cake stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible with these storage guidelines:
Room Temperature Storage
If you prefer your banana cake unfrosted, or if you’ve used a non-dairy, shelf-stable frosting, it can be stored at room temperature. Simply place the cooled, unfrosted cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It will remain fresh and delicious on your counter for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, avoid direct sunlight or warm spots in your kitchen.
Refrigerator Storage
For cakes that are frosted with our peanut butter honey buttercream or any other dairy-based frosting (like cream cheese frosting), refrigeration is essential. Place the completely cooled, frosted cake in an airtight container. This will keep it moist, prevent spoilage, and maintain the frosting’s consistency. Your frosted cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remember to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze this banana snack cake for longer storage! Whether your cake is frosted or unfrosted, ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing. For frosted cake, it’s best to flash freeze it uncovered for an hour or two until the frosting is firm. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. The cake will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, depending on whether it’s frosted.
More Irresistible Banana Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re anything like me, the love for bananas in baking doesn’t stop at just one recipe! Here are some other fantastic banana-centric creations from my kitchen that I’m sure you’ll enjoy just as much as this snack cake. Perfect for using up those ripe bananas and adding more deliciousness to your day!
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bundt Cake
- Easy Homemade Banana Cream Pie
- Easy Homemade Banana Cream Pie
- Easy Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
- Easy Cinnamon Banana Bread Muffins
- The Best Sourdough Discard Banana Bread
Did you try this delectable recipe?
We absolutely love hearing from you! Please let us know what you thought of this banana snack cake by leaving a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other bakers in our community. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media by sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Tag us so we can see your beautiful cakes!
Thank you for baking with us!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Easy Banana Snack Cake with Frosting
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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8×8 inch pan
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring Cups or Scale
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Measuring spoons
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Whisk
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Spatula
Ingredients
Banana Cake
- 1 cup (230 g) mashed brown bananas about 2 medium bananas, very ripe with brown spots for best flavor
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled for accuracy
- ¾ teaspoon (3 g) baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter room temperature, essential for a smooth batter
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, for moisture and caramel notes
- 1 large (1 large) egg room temperature, helps bind ingredients
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons (36 g) sour cream room temperature, for ultimate moisture and tenderness
Peanut Butter Honey Frosting
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter softened, for a creamy frosting base
- 3 tablespoons (48 g) creamy peanut butter adds rich, nutty flavor
- 1 tablespoon (21 g) honey for natural sweetness and a floral hint
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½-1 tablespoon (1-2 tablespoons) heavy whipping cream or milk add gradually for desired frosting consistency
Instructions
Banana Cake Preparation
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by lightly spraying it with non-stick oil or butter. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends up the sides to create convenient “handles” for easy cake removal after baking.
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In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your very ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. Measure out exactly 1 cup (230g) of the mashed banana, ensuring accuracy for the best cake consistency.
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In another separate small bowl, combine your dry ingredients: whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. Next, beat in the room temperature egg, then the vanilla extract, and finally the room temperature sour cream, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Gently stir in the mashed bananas. Lastly, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined and no visible flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the prepared cake batter into your parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 22-28 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to frost it.
Peanut Butter Honey Frosting & Serving
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While the cake cools, prepare your frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, honey, and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick or dry, gradually add ½ to 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream or milk until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
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Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the delicious peanut butter honey frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch, garnish with honey roasted peanuts or a light honey drizzle if desired. Slice the cake into 9 or 16 equal squares and serve immediately. Enjoy every moist and flavorful bite!
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Notes
Nutrition Information: The provided nutrition information is an estimated value per serving and is intended for general guidance only. The calorie accuracy is not guaranteed, as values can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.