Delicious Banana Cake No Butter Recipe
Looking for a super easy banana cake recipe? Our ultimate banana cake no butter recipe brings a sweet, comforting flavor to your kitchen.
Craving a slice of heaven that’s incredibly moist, naturally sweet, and surprisingly light? This banana cake no butter recipe delivers all the comfort you love without the heaviness. Made with simple pantry staples and overripe bananas, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that comes together in just minutes.
Unlike our popular chocolate chip cookies, this cake celebrates the natural sweetness of bananas while keeping things wonderfully simple. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert!
What is Banana Cake No Butter?
Ever wondered why we call it “banana cake no butter” when it tastes so rich and decadent? This delightful twist on traditional banana bread transforms humble overripe bananas into a tender, flavorful cake without using any butter at all.
Instead, we rely on oil or applesauce for moisture, proving that sometimes the best things come from the simplest substitutions. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this cake certainly paves that path beautifully! Ready to discover this butter-free magic?
Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake No Butter
Pure Banana Bliss
This banana cake no butter recipe showcases the natural sweetness and incredible moisture that only perfectly ripe bananas can provide. Each bite melts in your mouth with intense banana flavor that’s neither too sweet nor overwhelming. The absence of butter actually enhances the banana taste, creating a cleaner, fresher flavor profile that lets the fruit shine through beautifully.
Budget-Friendly Baking
Making this cake at home saves you money while using up those brown bananas sitting on your counter. Instead of throwing away overripe fruit, you’re transforming them into a bakery-quality dessert for a fraction of the cost. The simple ingredient list means you probably have everything needed in your pantry right now.
Versatile and Customizable
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or a cream cheese frosting to elevate it further. Unlike our dense brownies recipe, this cake offers a lighter texture that pairs beautifully with various toppings and mix-ins. The possibilities are endless, making it perfect for any occasion or dietary preference.
Ready to whip up this incredible banana cake no butter recipe in your own kitchen? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Banana Cake No Butter
Quick Overview
This banana cake no butter recipe is remarkably simple and foolproof. The key to its success lies in using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter. You’ll love how the natural oils from the bananas and added vegetable oil create an incredibly moist texture without any butter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
Key Ingredients for Banana Cake No Butter
- 3 large overripe bananas (mashed, about 1½ cups)
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk (any type)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tenderness)
Pro tip: The browner your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or oil. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas using a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will add nice texture to your finished cake. The bananas should yield about 1½ cups when mashed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and slightly frothy. If using lemon juice, add it now – it helps tenderize the gluten for an even softer cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. This step ensures your leavening agent is properly incorporated.
Step 5: Create the Batter
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing leads to a tough, dense cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts, though it’s delicious served warm too!
What to Serve Banana Cake No Butter With
This versatile banana cake no butter pairs beautifully with both simple and elaborate accompaniments. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside fresh coffee or tea with a dollop of Greek yogurt and honey.
As a dessert, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries complement the banana flavor wonderfully.
For special occasions, try it with cream cheese frosting, caramel sauce, or even a simple chocolate glaze. The cake also makes an excellent base for trifles when cubed and layered with pudding and fresh fruit.
Top Tips for Perfecting Banana Cake No Butter
Banana Selection is Key
Use bananas that are very ripe – they should have brown spots and feel soft to the touch. These overripe bananas provide maximum sweetness and moisture, eliminating the need for butter while creating incredible flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender crumb you want.
Oil Substitutions Work Well
While vegetable oil is traditional, you can substitute with melted coconut oil, applesauce, or even Greek yogurt for different flavors and textures. Each substitution will slightly change the final result but maintain the butter-free concept.
Test for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. This ensures your cake stays moist without being underbaked.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your banana cake no butter covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake actually improves in flavor after the first day as the banana taste develops further.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The cake is equally delicious served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
For best results, store frosted cakes in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1/10 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 37mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Total Carbs | 42g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Potassium | 285mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this banana cake no butter recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil in this banana cake?
You can use melted coconut oil, applesauce, mashed avocado, or Greek yogurt. Each substitution will create slightly different textures and flavors, but all work well in this butter-free recipe.
How ripe should my bananas be for banana cake no butter?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with brown spots and soft flesh. Overripe bananas provide more sweetness and moisture, which is crucial since we’re not using butter.
Can I add mix-ins to this banana cake no butter recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit just before baking. Don’t exceed ½ cup total to maintain the proper batter consistency.
Why is my banana cake dense instead of fluffy?
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using bananas that aren’t ripe enough. Mix ingredients until just combined and ensure your bananas are very soft and sweet.
How do I know when my banana cake no butter is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Can I make banana cake no butter in a different pan size?
Yes! For cupcakes, bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. For a 9×13 pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. Adjust baking time based on the depth of your batter.
How long does banana cake no butter stay fresh?
At room temperature, it stays fresh for 3 days when covered. Refrigerated, it lasts up to a week. The flavor actually improves after the first day!
Additional Tips for Blog Success
This banana cake no butter recipe represents the perfect balance of health-conscious baking and indulgent flavor. By eliminating butter, we’ve created a lighter dessert that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this foolproof method ensures success every time.
Consider experimenting with different flavor additions like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of espresso powder to create your own signature version. The basic banana cake no butter formula provides an excellent foundation for creativity.
Remember, the key to any great banana recipe is using fruit that’s past its prime for eating fresh. Those brown, soft bananas that might otherwise go to waste become the star ingredient in this delicious cake.
Share your baking success with friends and family – this banana cake no butter recipe is sure to become a household favorite that you’ll return to again and again!
