Quick Banana Bread Snack Cake Recipe – Sweet & Tender

I’ve always loved creating recipes that feel like a warm hug from home, and banana bread snack cake is no exception. Inspired by my passion for simple, comforting dishes, this recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a tender, moist texture that everyone will love. Perfect for family breakfasts, quick snacks, or even dessert, it’s a recipe I return to time and again, bringing both flavor and smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana bread snack cake is one of those recipes you’ll love because it’s quick, easy, and irresistible. Using ripe bananas, simple pantry ingredients, and optional cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers moist, tender bites that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, the banana flavor shines through beautifully. This recipe is family-friendly, simple to follow, and customizable, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Its soft, fluffy texture makes every bite delightful, while the optional cream cheese frosting elevates it into a special treat. Banana bread snack cake is also adaptable—swap ingredients for a healthier version, add chocolate chips, or use whole wheat flour for extra nutrition. By mastering this recipe, you’ll always have a reliable, delicious treat ready to impress your family and friends while keeping things easy in the kitchen.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This banana bread snack cake uses everyday ingredients to create a perfectly moist, flavorful cake. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while butter, eggs, and yogurt create tenderness. Baking soda and powder ensure it rises evenly, and cinnamon adds a subtle warmth. Optional cream cheese frosting transforms it into a decadent dessert, but the cake is delightful on its own. This recipe is simple, approachable, and perfect for customizing to your taste.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 8×8 or 9×13 pan):

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for slightly healthier version)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons milk (optional, for extra moisture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

How to Make This Recipe

Making banana bread snack cake is simple and straightforward. Start by preparing your pan and preheating the oven. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Fold in dry ingredients gradually to maintain a soft, tender texture. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, optionally spread cream cheese frosting for a sweet, creamy finish. This banana snack cake is versatile, moist, and perfect for any occasion.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 or 9×13 pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. Mix in mashed bananas and yogurt until combined.
5. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Add milk if needed.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake 35–45 minutes (8×8) or 45–55 minutes (9×13) until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely, then optionally frost with cream cheese frosting.

Expert Cooking Tips

To make the best banana bread snack cake, start with very ripe bananas—they add sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a tender crumb. If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of chocolate chips. Baking in an 8×8 pan gives a thicker, more cake-like texture, while a 9×13 pan is great for sharing. Cream cheese frosting elevates it to a dessert cake, but it’s delicious plain. Store properly for freshness and consider freezing slices for later.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
• For extra flavor, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips.
• Choose pan size depending on thickness preference: 8×8 for thicker, 9×13 for thinner slices.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting for a dessert-like treat.
• Store covered at room temperature or refrigerate; freezes well.

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Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Quick Dessert Recipe

Banana bread snack cake is the ultimate comfort dessert and snack. Its tender, moist texture, naturally sweet bananas, and optional cream cheese frosting make it a crowd-pleaser. Quick, easy, and adaptable, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules or special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether for breakfast, snack, or dessert, every bite is a slice of warmth and flavor that brings joy to your table.

Banana Bread Snack Cake

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour
• Yield: 8–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A moist, tender banana bread transformed into a sweet snack cake. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this cake is soft, flavorful, and optionally topped with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence. Great for 8×8 or 9×13 pans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 8×8 or 9×13 pan):

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar (or ½ cup for slightly healthier version)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ½ cups)

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for extra moisture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk to adjust consistency

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×13 pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.

4. Mix in mashed bananas and yogurt until combined.

5. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Add milk if batter seems too thick.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 2: Bake

• Bake 35–45 minutes (8×8) or 45–55 minutes (9×13), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 3: Frost (Optional)

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.

3. Thin with milk if needed.

4. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake.

Notes

• Moistness Tip: Use very ripe bananas for best flavor and softness.
• Healthier Version: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat or oat flour and reduce sugar slightly.
• Storage: Keeps at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to a week. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Pan Sizes: 8×8 for a thicker, more snack-like cake; 9×13 for thinner, party-style servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–55 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Snack Cake
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American