Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting

Do you ever find yourself staring at those browning bananas on your kitchen counter, wondering what to do with them before they end up in the compost? I know I do! I remember the first time I tried to bake something special with my overripe bananas. I nervously followed the recipe, my heart racing as I hoped to create something delicious. Well, let’s just say the kitchen ended up looking like a flour storm had swept through, and I wasn’t sure if I was making a cake or a mess!

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of baking, especially a cake from scratch, you’re not alone. Many beginner cooks worry about measurements, substitutions, and whether their cake will turn out fluffy or flat. But don’t fret! This Vegan Banana Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting recipe is here to make your baking journey as simple and enjoyable as possible. With a handful of straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, I promise you’ll feel like a baking pro by the time you’re done.

Why I Love This Recipe of Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting

This Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting is special to me for so many reasons. First, it perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. The aroma of ripe bananas mingling with warm spices in the oven feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a cozy, homemade vibe that’s hard to resist.

Beginner cooks will truly appreciate this recipe. It requires no fancy techniques or complicated steps—just wholesome ingredients that create something wonderfully satisfying. Plus, there’s something immensely gratifying about transforming simple pantry staples into a delightful dessert, one that is vegan yet utterly indulgent! The rich, creamy cookie butter frosting adds a twist that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting

Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s a handy list of ingredients:

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Essentials

1. 2 small bananas, mashed (about 1 cup) – You want them to be nicely ripe, which means they should have plenty of brown spots.
2. 1/2 cup sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
3. 1/2 cup oat milk or any plant-based milk – This helps keep the cake moist.
4. 1/4 cup oil (olive oil preferred) – Olive oil not only adds moisture but also a subtle flavor.
5. 2 tablespoons brown sugar – For an extra touch of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
6. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – This reacts with the baking soda and helps the cake rise.
7. 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed – A great egg substitute that binds the ingredients together.
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract – For a comforting and aromatic flavor.
9. 1 1/2 cups pastry flour – This gives the cake a lovely tenderness.
10. 2 teaspoons baking powder – This is key to helping your cake rise.
11. 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness.
12. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – For a warm, spicy note.
13. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps with the leavening process.

Frosting Ingredients

1. 1/2 cup vegan butter – This gives the frosting a creamy texture.
2. 1/4 cup cookie butter – Oh, this is where the magic happens; it adds a delightful spiced flavor.
3. 2 tablespoons coconut cream (optional) – For added richness and creaminess.
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract – More flavor!
5. 1 cup powdered sugar – To sweeten the frosting and give it that fluffy texture.

Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions

• If you don’t have oat milk, any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk will work beautifully.
• Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute the pastry flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Feel free to swap the sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave—just adjust the liquid accordingly!
• For a fun crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed Biscoff cookies on top of the frosting along with fresh banana slices.

How to Make Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get started on this delicious Vegan Banana Cake! I’ll walk you through each step to ensure success.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your cake will be perfectly baked by the time you finish assembling everything. While it’s heating up, you can prepare your baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring you have a lovely presentation when it’s time to slice.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until they’re smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher—whatever you have handy. It should roughly yield about 1 cup of mashed bananas.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of oat milk, 1/4 cup of oil, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (or extract). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. You’ll want to ensure everything is nicely combined to create a fluffy cake.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the pastry flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda to the bowl. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a thick batter forms. Be careful not to over-mix—just combine until there are no more dry flour spots.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.

Step 7: Cooling Time

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial; you don’t want to frost a warm cake as it can melt the frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the 1/2 cup of vegan butter until it’s fluffy. Add the 1/4 cup of cookie butter, the optional 2 tablespoons of coconut cream, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Gradually add the 1 cup of powdered sugar, whipping for an additional few minutes until your frosting reaches that light and airy consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost it! Spread the frosting evenly over the top. For a lovely finishing touch, consider topping it with crushed Biscoff cookie crumbs and banana slices—this adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut your cake into 9 generous squares (or however you’d like) and serve it to your family, friends, or just yourself. You’ve earned it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter

One common mistake that many beginner bakers make is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense cake. Remember, once the dry ingredients are added, stir until just combined. There’s no need for perfect uniformity—lumps are totally fine!

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Baking is a science, and measuring accurately is key. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for both dry and liquid ingredients. An uneven measurement could alter the texture and flavor of your cake significantly.

Starting with Cold Ingredients

When baking, it’s best to use ingredients that are at room temperature, especially the plant-based milk and butter. This helps create an even batter and can lead to better mixing and rising.

Skipping the Cooling Time

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to frosting. Letting your cake cool completely before frosting allows for a better, smoother finish.

Quick Wins for Beginner Cooks

Prep Ahead

One quick win for beginner cooks is to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Measure out everything before you start mixing. It keeps your kitchen organized and makes the baking process smoother!

Use Ripe Bananas

Ripe bananas are the key to a moist and flavorful cake. If your bananas are green or not quite ripe, they won’t smash as easily and will lead to a less sweet cake. Keep an eye on them and let them brown a bit more for optimal flavor.

Store Leftovers Wisely

If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you want a slice, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up—a perfect treat!

Experiment with Add-Ins

Baking is also about having fun! Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make it your own.

Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready

Get Creative with Frosting

Once you get the hang of this frosting, consider trying different flavors by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or blending in different nut butters instead of cookie butter.

Bake in Different Shapes

Switch things up by baking the cake in different pans! You could make cupcakes or even a layer cake by scaling the recipe up. Keep the baking times in mind; just monitor them closely.

Pair Your Cake

Consider pairing this lovely cake with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Gift Your Creation

Bake a batch and share with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a wonderful way to spread some joy, and who knows? You might inspire someone else to try baking!

Conclusion & Next Steps

So there you have it! Making Vegan Banana Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting is easier than it looks, and the satisfaction of creating your own cake from scratch is unmatched. This recipe is cozy, classic, and totally beginner-approved. Not only can you enjoy it as is, but you can also personalize it to suit your taste—there are endless possibilities!

Now it’s your turn to give it a try! Why not head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful baking adventure? Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you want a slice of something sweet, you won’t regret it.

FAQs About Vegan Banana Cake & Cookie Butter Frosting

Get ready to indulge in this light and fluffy Vegan Banana Cake topped with rich, smooth cookie butter frosting. Happy baking!

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