There’s something about banana cake that feels like a warm hug from the past. The smell of ripe bananas mixing with buttery sweetness fills the kitchen and pulls you back to simpler times. I remember one afternoon, trying to keep my toddler entertained while baking this cake. She was tugging at my apron, fascinated by the gooey batter and the promise of something delicious. Somewhere between a small spill of flour and a quiet moment waiting for the cake to bake, the house transformed into a cozy spot where time slowed down just enough to savor the little things.
Watching the cake rise with its golden top, I felt that familiar mix of anticipation and calm. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest and easy, and that’s kind of the point. This banana cake isn’t about impressing anyone; it’s about sharing something soft and sweet that kids actually want to eat, and that you can feel good about serving.
- Soft and moist texture that kids love, with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have—no complicated steps or fancy tools.
- It’s forgiving—if your bananas aren’t perfectly ripe, the cake still turns out tasty.
- A slightly rustic look that means it’s homemade and real, not some perfect bakery creation.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point, especially when you want a quick, comforting treat.
If you’re worried about time, this cake is surprisingly quick to pull together, and it fills the kitchen with a scent that makes waiting worthwhile.
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Banana Cake for Kids
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
A soft and moist banana cake that’s perfect for kids. Made with ripe bananas and simple ingredients, this cake is delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
When I make this banana cake, I usually just use my standard mixing bowls and a simple cake pan—no need for anything fancy. It’s the kind of recipe that feels just right for a casual afternoon snack or a kid-friendly dessert after dinner. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, but honestly, the classic version works so well I don’t always bother. You could try swapping milk for yogurt if you’re feeling experimental, but I haven’t tested all the variations enough to say how it changes the texture.
Serving it warm with a little butter melted on top or alongside a glass of cold milk makes it feel like a special moment, even if it’s just a Tuesday.
FAQ
Can I make this cake vegan? I haven’t tried a fully vegan version, but substituting eggs and butter might work if you experiment a bit.
How ripe should the bananas be? The riper, the better—somewhere between spotted and almost too mushy, but don’t stress if they’re not perfect.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Wrapped well, the cake freezes nicely and thaws without losing much moisture.
Is this cake suitable for school lunches? Definitely. It’s soft and not too sweet, making it a great snack kids can enjoy anytime.
If you try this banana cake, I hope it finds a cozy spot in your home like it does in mine. Baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful—sometimes, the best moments are in the simplest recipes.