Best Vegan Banana Cake Recipe: Moist, Delicious, and Easy to Make

If you’re on the hunt for the best vegan banana cake recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This vegan cake is irresistibly moist, full of sweet banana flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. It’s perfect for celebrations, cozy weekends, or whenever you find yourself with ripe bananas that need to be used up. Plus, with a simple vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This blog is dedicated to teaching you how to make a delicious vegan banana cake that’s so fluffy, moist, and full of banana goodness, no one will even know it’s vegan. Whether you’re looking to make a decadent banana layer cake, a casual sheet cake, or simply enjoy a slice with your afternoon tea, this recipe is worth your time. The step-by-step instructions will ensure success, even if you’ve never baked a cake before. So let’s dive into the world of vegan baking with this simple and satisfying recipe!

What Makes This the Best Vegan Banana Cake?

So, what makes this vegan banana cake stand out from the crowd? For starters, the texture is light, fluffy, and moist, thanks to a combination of mashed bananas, vegan buttermilk, and a little coconut oil. You won’t find any dry, crumbly cake here—just a perfectly balanced bite every time. The banana flavor shines through, and the cake itself is lightly sweet, which makes it the ideal base for a creamy, tangy frosting.

This cake is also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to bake it as a classic sheet cake, a layered masterpiece, or a cupcake, it will come out beautifully every time. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginner bakers while still being impressive enough to wow at parties. The vegan banana cake is also eggless and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

How Ripe Should Your Bananas Be for Banana Cake?

The key to a flavorful banana cake is using ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. You’re looking for bananas that have plenty of brown spots and feel soft to the touch. These bananas are loaded with natural sugars that will give the cake its signature banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe yet, don’t worry—you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.

Ingredients for Vegan Banana Cake

To make the best vegan banana cake, you’ll need a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need, along with quantities:

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake. You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if you prefer.
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas: About 3 large ripe bananas. The riper, the better for flavor and sweetness.
½ cup coconut oil (melted): Adds moisture and a light coconut flavor, though you can substitute it with any neutral oil.
¾ cup granulated sugar: You can use coconut sugar or another natural sweetener if desired.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to enhance the cake.
1 tsp baking soda: This helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
½ tsp baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for lift.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
1 cup soy milk (or any plant-based milk): You’ll mix this with vinegar to make vegan buttermilk.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: This creates a tangy vegan buttermilk when mixed with soy milk.
½ cup walnuts (optional): For added texture and crunch.
Vegan butter: For greasing the cake pan (you can use any oil as well).
Optional frosting ingredients: If you’re making a vegan cream cheese frosting, you’ll need vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vegan butter.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this vegan banana cake:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with vegan butter or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of soy milk with 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar. Set it aside for a few minutes to curdle. This will act as your vegan buttermilk, which helps make the cake fluffy.
Mash the Bananas: In a separate large bowl, mash 1 ½ cups of ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or potato masher for this.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, ½ tsp of baking powder, and ¼ tsp of salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently. Add in the vegan buttermilk a little at a time, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
Optional Add-ins: If using, fold in the walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage for some added texture and flavor.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top and tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frost the Cake (Optional): If you’re using a frosting like vegan cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting, wait until the cake has completely cooled. Spread your frosting evenly over the top, and if you’re making a layer cake, between the layers as well.

Nutrient Table (per 100g)

Below is the approximate nutritional information for this vegan banana cake, calculated for 100g of cake without frosting:

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	250 kcal
Carbohydrates	39 g
Sugars	16 g
Protein	3 g
Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	190 mg
Potassium	190 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	1 mg

This cake is not only delicious but also provides a decent amount of potassium from the bananas and a moderate amount of fiber. You can further adjust the nutrient profile depending on your choice of frosting or additional ingredients like walnuts or chocolate chips.

Is This Vegan Banana Cake Recipe Easy for Beginners?

Absolutely! This vegan banana cake recipe is as simple as it gets. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, and a cake pan. The steps are straightforward: mash your bananas, whisk your wet ingredients, combine your dry ingredients, and bake. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll have no trouble pulling off this recipe.

Can I Make a Vegan Banana Layer Cake?

Yes! This vegan banana cake can easily be made into a stunning layer cake. Simply divide the batter between two 8-inch cake pans and bake. Once your cakes are cooled, you can stack them with your choice of frosting between the layers. A vegan cream cheese frosting is always a hit, but for something a little more indulgent, you could go with a vegan chocolate frosting.

What’s the Best Frosting for a Vegan Banana Cake?

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

A vegan cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the moist, sweet cake. It adds a bit of tanginess and balances the flavors beautifully.

Chocolate Frosting for a Decadent Twist

If you’re in the mood for something richer, a vegan chocolate frosting can turn this into a decadent dessert. The combination of chocolate and banana is always a winner.

How to Store Vegan Banana Cake to Keep It Moist

To keep your vegan banana cake moist, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. You can leave it at room temperature for a day or two, but if you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I Make This Vegan Banana Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes, with a few adjustments, you can make this cake gluten-free. Simply swap out the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to give the cake the right structure.

Pro Tips for Baking the Best Vegan Banana Cake

Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Don’t overmix the batter, or you’ll end up with a dense cake.
Always let the cake cool completely before frosting it.
For added texture, try folding in some walnuts or chocolate chips.

Love This Vegan Banana Cake? Try These Variations

Vegan Banana Bread

If you love this cake, you’ll also enjoy making vegan banana bread. It has a denser texture but the same rich banana flavor.

Peanut Butter Banana Cake

For a fun twist, try adding a peanut butter swirl to the batter for a peanut butter banana cake. It’s an unexpected but delicious combination.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Banana Cake

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to around 18-20 minutes.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in about ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips for a fun variation.
What’s the best oil to use?
Coconut oil works beautifully, but you can also use canola or vegetable oil.
How do I make it nut-free?
Just skip the walnuts and make sure your vegan butter and other ingredients are nut-free.