This banana oatmeal cake comes out soft and sweet and is a fun way to enjoy oatmeal. It is easy to make and just 2 ingredients. It doesn’t require any flour, eggs, added sugar, butter or oil. You can eat it for breakfast, snack or dessert.
I’m really excited to share this cake recipe with you today. This cake is a little different from your typical cake. It is a mix of softened oats and banana cake. I like eating it for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. I’ve also heated it up and added a scoop of ice cream to enjoy it for dessert.
I was inspired to make this cake after making my 3 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cake. I wanted to try to make a healthier oatmeal cake without refined sugar.
Ingredients
- Bananas
- Rolled Oats
This recipe needs only two ingredients though I do share another version that adds baking powder for a 3 ingredient version. I explain more below.
Bananas: The bananas will need to be pureed until they are a liquid smoothie consistency. Just mashing them will not be enough. This recipe works best with just ripened bananas (still firm, peel is yellow without brown spots). While I usually bake with very ripe bananas, very ripe bananas contain a lot of moisture and you actually don’t want that for this recipe. You can make the recipe with overripe bananas but your cake will need more baking time (5-10 minutes extra) and you will need to add the baking powder.
I don’t recommend using frozen bananas. Frozen bananas are too liquidy and it will make your cake too wet.
Rolled Oats: This recipe works best with rolled oats. Steel-cut oats are not recommended.
Cake Texture
This is not your classic cake texture. It is more like baked oatmeal mixed with a little bit of cake. The oats inside will be similar to baked oatmeal. However, the bananas actually bake up into something that resembles a cake texture. If you look at the picture of the slice below, you can see the cake threads woven in between the oats.
Baking Powder versus No Baking Powder
I actually share two versions of this cake. I tested this recipe about a dozen times and these two were our favorites. It really comes down to personal preference but also I like giving an option that doesn’t need baking powder for those looking to reduce sodium or are out of baking powder.
No Baking Powder Version
The no baking powder version is 2 ingredients and works best with firm bananas. If you are using very ripe bananas, you will need the baking powder to help lighten it up. This version of the cake is more dense. However, because it is more dense, the banana cake sections are more noticeable. It’s a bit like eating a muffin with oatmeal mixed in. I actually preferred this denser version because I felt like I could taste the banana cake more.
Baking Powder Version
The baking powder version of the cake will rise a little higher and has an overall softer texture. Baking powder can be added whether you are making this with firm bananas or very ripe bananas. Because the baking powder helps the cake rise a little, the exterior of the cake looks nicer and more like a traditional cake. So if presentation is a concern, you may want to make this version. The no baking powder version looks more like baked oatmeal rather than cake. The baking powder makes the banana cake quite light and airy but I actually found it harder to taste the cake part because the cake layers become so delicate. My husband preferred this version because the cake is softer.
Variations
This cake is great on its own but there are definitely things you can add to it to enhance the flavor or add more sweetness. Some ideas:
- Mix in 1 tsp of cinnamon to make a cinnamon banana flavored oatmeal cake
- Add in ½ cup chocolate chips to add more sweetness and add some chocolate flavor.
- Or add in other mix-ins you enjoy with your oatmeal like coconut flakes or chopped dried fruit.
More Banana Recipes
- 3 Ingredient No Bake Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- 2 Ingredient Banana Brownies
- 3 Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (352 g) pureed bananas
- 1 1/2 cups (135 g) rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and sides of a 6 inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add pureed bananas. If adding baking powder, sprinkle 1/2 tbsp of baking powder on top. Whisk until baking powder is fully dissolved and mixed in. Add in oats. Stir until oats are evenly mixed in.
- Pour batter into cake pan. Bake for about 30 minutes or until done. When done, the surface of the cake should look dry. The top of the cake should feel firm. See notes for more details. Let cake cool before slicing. Uneaten cake can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days and longer in the fridge.
Notes
- I divided the cake into small slices because each slice is packed with oats and bananas.
- The bananas need to be pureed to a smoothie consistency. Just mashing them is not enough. This recipe also works best with just ripened bananas rather than overripe bananas. See post for more details.
- This cake is baked in a 6 inch round cake pan or a springform pan. If you don't own a 6 inch pan, you can use something bigger, but know that your cake will come out flatter and baking time will likely need to be reduced.
- When the cake is finished cooking, the top of the cake should appear dry. For the no baking powder version, when you press on it, it should feel firm rather than sink in. If you are making the baking powder version, it will sink in a little but not completely. If you slice into your cake and you find that it is too moist, you can still put it back into the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or as long as needed.
- See post for more details on the difference between the baking powder version and no baking powder version.
- See post for some mix-in ideas to enhance or add flavors to the cake.
- Nutrition estimate is for version without baking powder.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
BTW, I increased the ingredients to 2 c. banana and 2 c. oatmeal just so the amount would suit an 8″ cake layer pan – I don’t have a 6″ pan. 🙂
That’s great! Thanks for sharing those adjustments.
Kirbie, girl!!! This recipe was EXACTLY what I needed when my neighbor who ALWAYS has cookies on hand when I visit told me she would be stopping by in an hour. I never have cookies on hand because I would EAT THEM!! After deciding “Preacher Cookies” would take too long and had too many ingredients, I did a search for “Quick Oatmeal Cake” (faster than cookies, right?!) and found this!! I DID use frozen bananas (didn’t take the time to read that I shouldn’t) and a handful of mini chocolate chips (didn’t read that I could, but why not!) and had a beautiful oatmeal cake on my pastry stand by the time my neighbor arrived!! She loved it and so did I. Next time I would add cinnamon (also missed that suggestion the first time). THANK YOU, BRILLIANT WOMAN!!! Blessings and BLESSINGS to you!
We’re so glad you loved it! Thanks for letting us know about the frozen bananas, too.
2 INGREDIENT BANANA OATMEAL CAKE
Would this work as cookies instead of a cake? I’m wanting to try and will try the cake but I’m wondering if you’ve tried it as cookies. I think I want to try it with cinnamon, pecans and raisins so my boyfriend will try it. He shies away from anything remotely healthy but adding a few treats in it might work.
It sounds great though. Thank you for your recipes.
We haven’t tried this recipe as cookies, but we do have No Bake Banana Oatmeal Cookies you might like to try instead.
So I made the cake today and I love it. I did add cinnamon, a little bit of stevia crystals, pecans and raisins and it was really good. Even my boyfriend said it was good.
I also got a sugar free vanilla frosting for him to use if he wanted and he said he didn’t need it. So I’d call that a win 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks for letting us know how it worked! We’re so glad he loved it.
Good
We’re glad you enjoyed it!
This is absolutely amazing! Ty! Been making this weekly!!
What do you think if I substituted pumpkin puree for the banana?
We’re glad you’re loving the recipe – we haven’t tried pumpkin puree in this recipe and can’t say how that will work.
if i dont have blender to pureed the bananas what are other options to make
If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can try mashing them with a potato masher. You really need to mash them so they are a puree without any lumps – we haven’t tried this, but it could work will just take a little time.
How many bananas?!?!
It depends on the size, but about three to four medium-sized bananas should get you the amount for the recipe.
thanks for asking how many bananas and responding to question.
You’re welcome!
I left out the sugar and oil and added 1/2 cup apple sauce instead. Turned out beautiful.
Thanks for sharing that!
Great recipe but even with almost double the baking powder, I cant get it to rise.
How can I achieve more height – or perhaps lighter/less dense (although thats not the issue); even if I need to add another ingredient to achieve that?
I add raisins, chopped up dates, honey (no chocolate chips) and its a treat!!
Hi, adding in the honey is likely why your cake isn’t getting any rise. You can try another sweetener that isn’t liquid.
Thank you and great feed back from everyone. Can you suggest healthy liquid sweetener options (please).
We haven’t tried a liquid sweetener as the cake is sweet enough for us – maybe other readers will chime in!
Try Truvia brown sugar stevia. That stuff rocks in all my recipes. Especially in cooked oatmeal.
Looks easy.Would try it out and give feedback
Please let us know what you think!
Eager to try these easy recipes
We hope you love them!
Thanks fr d two ingredients recipe God bless
You’re welcome!
Hello! Did you perhaps try this with oat flour for an even more cake texture? Just wondering if that would work…
I did not, but I don’t think it will give it more cake texture based on my experience working with oat flour and bananas.
Healthy
Beautiful
Thanks!
I love it how ever a added 1/3 cup of cane sugar made it much better with a scope of vanilla ice cream great dessert
Very interested & Divine receipt please send me more receipts regards Oatmeal
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How much baking powder do you add if you bake that version?
1/2 tbsp – the details are in step 2 in the recipe card.
Love this—it actually does make a cake-like treat. I used banana powder 1 Tbs plus water = 1/4 cup
pureed fresh banana, and added coconut flakes, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a smidgen salt. Next time I will add vanilla flavoring also.
I’m glad it worked out for you!
Owesome
The ingredients are simple and affordable. Thanks I’ll try it for my boys breakfast. They love oats.be blessed.
We hope they love it!
I’m going to try this as I’m on a diet starting tomorrow
We hope you love it!
This recipe was OUTSTANDING! I added 1 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut and baked it in a 6″ round pan for 35 minutes. I also weighed out the pureed bananas and oats in grams on my food scale.
Thank you so much for another delicious recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it so much!
I don’t eat flour or sugar. This is great. I going to try it . Thank you
We hope you enjoy it!
Wow, Kirby! I will definitely try making this cake. I love both ingredients. Sounds so easy to make, and most delicious. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe…
Let us know what you think when you try it!
Love the receipts and enjoy making them especially peanut butter cookies!
So glad you love the recipes!
How do you think chopped pecans or walnuts into the mix? Maybe a very lite glaze drizzle? Can’t wait to try the recipe
Chopped nuts would work and the drizzle sounds like a great idea – let us know how it works for you!
Would this work if I grind the oats a bit before adding to banana?
We haven’t tried that – the recipe works great with rolled oats and you can just mix them in with the bananas. You shouldn’t need to grind them first.
Can I use a microwave instead of conventional oven to bake? How long would that take?
I don’t think this will work well in the microwave.
Very excited to try your recipe
We hope you enjoy it!
This would be great for a gluten free dessert. My daughter loves both ingredients. Will sure try it .she is gluten free. Thank u.
We hope you both enjoy it!
Love your recipes, thank you! I am not sure of the difference between rolled oats and steel cut oats. Does your 2 ingredient banana oatmeal cake and your other oatmeal recipes call for quick oats or old fashioned oats? Thank you in advance, Sissy
Rolled oats are the same as old fashioned oats. You can check the label to make sure you are using the right oats. I have recipes that use quick oats and I also have recipes that use rolled oats. It will depend on the recipe. This recipe uses rolled oats.
I like your easy recipes like these. I don’t have the ability to do complicated any more. They are just what I need and want.
Much appreciated.
Deb
So glad you’re liking the recipes!