Name: Vegan Banana Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup mashed banana (about 2 small, or ~6 oz); 1/3 cup coconut oil, soft but not melted; 6 tablespoons granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’ve been on the hunt for a sweet treat that feels indulgent but is completely plant-based, this Vegan Banana Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with natural banana sweetness that perfectly balances the gentle warmth of cinnamon and a cinnamon sugar crust that adds just the right touch of crunch. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert, a comforting snack, or a gift to impress friends, this cake hits all the right notes with simplicity and mouthwatering flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of baking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. There are two ripe yellow bananas placed on the right side. Surrounding them are glass bowls filled with different powders and liquids: a large bowl with white flour at the top left, a smaller bowl with light brown sugar above it, a bowl with white liquid to the right of the flour, and a bowl of solid white fat below the sugar. There are also small glass bowls holding dark brown cinnamon powder, a mix of dark and light powder, white powder, black vanilla extract, and some salt, all positioned neatly around the main ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this cake is a breeze, and each one plays a pivotal role in creating that perfect texture and taste. From ripe bananas for moistness and natural sweetness, to coconut oil adding richness, and just the right spices to warm things up, these ingredients come together to make magic happen in your oven.

Mashed banana (2/3 cup): Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest, most flavorful base that keeps the cake moist.

Coconut oil (1/3 cup, soft but not melted): Adds a subtle tropical richness and helps keep the cake tender.
Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons): Provides balanced sweetness and, with some reserved for topping, adds a delightful crunch.
Light brown sugar (6 tablespoons): Brings a deeper caramel note that enhances the overall flavor complexity.

Vanilla bean paste (2 teaspoons): Intensifies aroma and adds a real vanilla depth unlike anything extract can provide.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation that holds everything together with the perfect crumb texture.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cake a lovely lift, keeping it light and fluffy.

Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with warmth and flavors the topping for that standout touch.

How to Make Vegan Banana Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F, giving it plenty of time to reach the perfect baking temperature. Meanwhile, prepare your 8” x 8” baking pan by greasing it well with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper to ensure your cake slips right out after baking without a sticky situation.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, soft coconut oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand-operated or stand mixer on medium speed to beat these together until smooth and pale. This step is where your cake’s moist and tender base really starts coming to life.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Spices

Blend in the vanilla bean paste along with half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing these right into your wet ingredients lets the warm, comforting scents start developing early on, building layers of flavor before the flour even enters the scene.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Switch your mixer to low speed and gently add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until everything is combined—your batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want to achieve that perfect cake texture.

Step 5: Transfer and Top the Batter

Pour your thick batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly all the way to the edges. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the batter. This topping is your ticket to a beautifully crisp, flavorful crust that contrasts deliciously with the soft interior.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cake is just firm to the touch and the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Don’t rush this step—perfect baking time is key to achieving the ultimate moistness inside with a slightly crunchy top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up nicely. This cake tastes even better once it’s fully cooled, trust me.

How to Serve Vegan Banana Cake Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of cinnamon cake with a light brown, moist, and soft texture inside, topped with a thin layer of darker brown cinnamon sugar crust. Three pieces are arranged in a small pile on a white marbled surface, with one piece slightly raised showing the inside crumb. Behind them, more cake squares are stacked on a white rectangular plate, with a yellow banana and a white and blue patterned cloth in the blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to brighten your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top can add delightful crunch and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon notes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Vegan Banana Cake Recipe with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to turn it into a dessert worth celebrating. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced herbal tea—it’s pure comfort in every bite and sip.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cake into individual portion cups by baking the batter in muffin tins lined with paper cups, topped with the cinnamon sugar crust. Or, layer slices with vegan cream cheese frosting and fresh banana slices to create a stunning vegan banana cake trifle that’s both impressive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your cake stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps your cake fresh while intensifying the flavors and maintaining just the right texture. It’s perfect for enjoying a slice or two throughout the week without losing that fresh-baked feel.

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. This makes for a convenient grab-and-go treat that thaws beautifully with no compromise on taste or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until just heated through. For a slightly crisp exterior, pop slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Either way, you’ll bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling we all crave.

FAQs

Can I use any type of banana for this Vegan Banana Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! The best results come from very ripe bananas because they are sweeter and mash easier, giving your cake the perfect moistness and natural sweetness. Avoid green or underripe bananas as they won’t yield the same flavor or texture.

Is it possible to substitute coconut oil in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap coconut oil with another plant-based oil like sunflower or canola oil. Just make sure the oil is soft but not melted to mimic the texture coconut oil provides, which helps keep the cake tender without being oily.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and note that the texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How can I make this cake sweeter or less sweet?

You can adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter cake, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar. For a milder sweetness, simply reduce the granulated and brown sugars proportionally. The ripe bananas also contribute significant natural sweetness.

What’s the best way to cut and serve the cake?

Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the cake into squares. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep the slices neat, especially with that sticky cinnamon sugar topping. Serving at room temperature allows the full flavor and texture to shine.

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan Banana Cake Recipe is like inviting cozy, wholesome goodness right into your kitchen. It’s incredibly rewarding to bake such a simple yet sensational cake that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly delicious vegan baking can be!