This vegan banana cake is moist and delicious. It’s lightly sweetened and topped with cinnamon sugar. This easy one-bowl recipe is perfect for an afternoon snack or sweet treat!

After making a few different versions of banana bread, I started thinking about making a banana cake recipe. They’re a little sweeter, perfect for a treat to pair with a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. I wanted to make a vegan version and it turned out to be easier than I expected! This vegan banana cake is made with basic pantry ingredients and it’s a great way to use up a few spotty bananas. I love that this snack cake has a fluffy texture and the banana flavor really shines through! If you’re looking for additional vegan cake recipes, try this vegan chocolate cake or this vegan birthday cake cake!

Ingredients & Substitutions
- Banana, mashed- Mashed banana is incorporated into the batter to provide moisture, sweetness, and a distinct banana flavor to the cake. Be sure to use overripe bananas for the best flavor. They should have plenty of brown spots.
- Coconut oil- Coconut oil (not melted) is used to contribute moisture and richness to the cake’s texture. Vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used as alternatives to provide a similar texture and richness.
- Granulated sugar- White sugar is added to sweeten the cake and also helps to tenderize the texture.
- Light brown sugar- Light brown sugar is included in the recipe to provide additional sweetness and moisture to the cake. Dark brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used for a similar depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract- Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the cake.
- All-purpose flour– All-purpose flour serves as the structural base for the cake. You can use half whole wheat flour if you want to add some extra protein and fiber.
- Baking powder- Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, aiding in the cake’s rise during baking.
- Salt- Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the cake and balance its sweetness.
- Cinnamon- Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor to the cake. This is also used in the cinnamon sugar topping.

How to Make Vegan Banana Cake








Additions & Variations
- Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.
- You can skip the cinnamon sugar on top of the cake if you want to reduce the sugar.
- Once the cake is baked, try it with a little peanut butter on top!


Vegan Banana Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan banana cake is moist and delicious. It’s lightly sweetened and topped with a cinnamon sugar topping. This is an easy one bowl recipe, perfect for an afternoon snack or sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2/3 cup mashed banana (about 2 small, or ~6oz)
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, soft but not melted
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoonsl vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking pan with non-stick spray or line parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine banana, coconut oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Beat on medium speed with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and pale.
- Add the vanilla, ½ tsp/1g cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat until incorporated.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low until combined. Batter will be very thick.
- Pour into prepared baking pan, spreading to the edges and into an even layer.
- Combine the remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to blend.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over top of batter until entire surface is coated evenly.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until just firm to the touch and lightly golden brown at edges.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to come to room temperature before eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American