It’s always fun to make a cake to celebrate and share with the littles and this cake is one of our favorites for toddler birthdays or a first birthday party idea! It’s easy to make, includes nutritious ingredients, is super moist, and is just sweet enough. And grownups will enjoy it too! This easy banana cake comes together in a food processor, so it’s super easy to make—even if you have the kids around while you are making it. You can also make it ahead of time if that’s easier on your schedule. I like to top it with Cream Cheese Frosting or Yogurt Frosting, because both pair so well with the banana flavor of the cake. (You may also like One-Year-Old Birthday Cake, First Birthday Smash Cake, Sweet Potato Baby Cake, and Kids Birthday Cake recipes.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this healthy banana cake for a kids birthday or any dessert you’ll need the following ingredients
Ripe bananas: Very ripe bananas are key for the flavor in this recipe, so be sure that yours have lots of brown spots. Rolled oats: We use these in place of flour for extra nutrition and because they are super tender in the final recipe. Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together. Unsalted butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter so I can control the salt in the cake. Baking powder and baking soda: These help ensure that the cake rises and bakes through evenly. Cinnamon: This adds that classic banana cake flavor. Maple syrup: We use this as the sweetener in this recipe. You can also use honey for kids over age 1.
TIP: For the Cream Cheese Frosting, you simply need cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract and maple syrup or honey. So mostly pantry staples and too-ripe bananas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the easy process involved in making this healthy banana cake. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe. TIP: To make this cake without a food processor, mash the bananas very smooth with a potato masher or fork and use purchased oat flour.
Healthy 1st Birthday Cake
This cake is perfect for a first birthday since the sweetness comes mostly from fruit and it’s super moist and easy for little ones to eat. You could even decorate it with fresh fruit or sprinkles if you want to!
How to Store
You can bake the healthy banana cakes up to a day ahead and after they’re cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cakes to soften a bit. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days. We prefer this cake served cold.
Best Tips for Success
Use very ripe banana with black spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor. Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and nondairy Greek style yogurt or nondairy cream cheese alternative in the frosting. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. You can also use my Yogurt Frosting if you prefer.
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share!
First Birthday Smash Cake (with Yogurt Frosting)
Blueberry 1st Birthday Smash Cake Recipe
Favorite Birthday Cake Muffins
Favorite Banana Cupcakes
This post was first published August 2018.
