What is the difference between banana bread and banana snack cake?

Banana snack cake is softer, sweeter, and usually baked in a pan rather than a loaf. Banana bread is denser and often served as breakfast.

Can I make this banana bread snack cake healthier?

Yes, reduce sugar, use whole wheat flour, or add yogurt for extra protein while keeping the cake moist.

How do I make banana snack cake moist?

Use very ripe bananas, avoid overmixing, and don’t overbake. Yogurt, sour cream, or a little milk helps.

Can I freeze banana bread snack cake?

Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Banana Bread Snack Cake Recipe – Easy, Moist & Delicious 2026

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.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×13 pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Mix in mashed bananas and yogurt until combined.
Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Add milk if batter seems too thick.
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)

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
Thin with milk if needed.
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