There’s something about the combination of ripe bananas and a soft, moist cake that makes this recipe truly irresistible. With just 1 egg and 2 ripe bananas, this banana cake is simple to make but delivers an incredible flavor that will have your family and friends asking for more. It’s the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter. Plus, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients—most of these items are already in your pantry.
This delightful banana cake can be made either in the oven or without it, making it a versatile option for those who may not have an oven. We will guide you through both methods to ensure a delicious, perfectly cooked cake every time. The luscious caramelized banana topping is the star of the show, adding a rich layer of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) flour
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- ¼ tsp (1.5 g) salt
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 1 banana, sliced
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Banana Cake
Step 1: Preheat or Grease
If you are baking your banana cake in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For those without an oven, you can skip this step but grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prepare it for the cake.
If you’re using a stovetop method, ensure your pan has a thick bottom to distribute the heat evenly and prevent burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramelized Banana Topping
The caramelized banana topping is what sets this banana cake apart from the rest. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Add ¼ cup of brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. This creates a rich, gooey caramel that will give your cake its signature flavor.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the greased cake pan, ensuring it spreads evenly across the bottom.
- Now, slice 1 banana and arrange the slices on top of the caramel. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Banana Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth and lump-free.
- Add the egg, ¼ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, ¼ cup of milk, 2 tbsp melted butter, and ½ tsp of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas.
- Using a hand mixer or whisk, combine all the ingredients until you have a smooth, well-blended batter. The consistency should be thick but pourable.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Now that your topping and batter are ready, it’s time to bring them together:
- Carefully pour the cake batter over the sliced bananas and caramel mixture in the cake pan, ensuring it covers the bananas evenly.
- If using an oven, bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- For those using a stovetop, place the greased cake pan in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Make sure to check the cake occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 5: Cool and Unmold the Cake
Once the cake is baked, it’s important to let it cool slightly before unmolding it to ensure the topping stays intact.
- Let the cake rest in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan.
- Place a serving plate over the cake pan and, with a confident motion, flip the pan over to invert the cake. The caramelized bananas will now be on top, creating a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
This cake is best served warm, but it’s equally delicious when served at room temperature. The moist, tender banana cake combined with the caramelized banana topping is a perfect harmony of flavors. Serve it as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Information
This banana cake recipe makes about 6 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 19 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Tips and Variations
- Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced banana cake.
- Add texture: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- No butter? No problem: You can substitute coconut oil for the butter in both the batter and topping for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Oven-less cooking: If you don’t have a cake pan or pot suitable for stovetop cooking, you can use a large, deep skillet with a lid. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This banana cake with 1 egg and 2 bananas is a versatile and easy recipe that’s perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack. Its simplicity, combined with the delightful caramelized banana topping, makes it a favorite for all ages. Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it on the stovetop, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit!
