No-Oven Banana Cake Recipe – Fluffy, Moist, and Bicarbonate-Free!
This no-oven banana cake recipe is made with simple ingredients and without bicarbonate of soda. It uses an easy stovetop method that ensures you get a moist, flavorful cake every time. Whether you're looking for a quick homemade treat or a budget-friendly baking alternative, this recipe delivers bakery-style results without fancy equipment. Keep reading to learn how to make the best stovetop banana cake—perfect for breakfast, tea time, or special occasions! Plus, don't miss the video tutorial at the end of this post for extra guidance.
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 Masher (You can use a wooden spoon in the absence of a masher)
- 1 Wooden Spoon
- 1 fairly heavy saucepan with lid (About 7 inches in diameter)
- Measuring cups and spoons as needed
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 large ripe bananas
- 1 & ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to preference)
- 2 & ½ tsps. baking powder
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract/ flavoring
- 1 tsp. margarine for greasing pan (plus a little flour for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the BananasBegin by peeling and mashing the ripe bananas. Overripe bananas work best as they mash easily and provide a natural sweetness. You can use a masher or a wooden spoon to mash them until they are smooth.
- Mix the Wet IngredientsIn a mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, egg, cooking oil, and vanilla extract.Stir well until all the ingredients are well combined. This mixture will contribute to the cake’s moisture and flavor.
- Prepare the Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the baking powder, which will help the cake rise without the need for bicarbonate of soda.
- Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsGradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in two batches. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or whisk until you get a fairly smooth batter since the mashed bananas could give it a fairly smooth but rough surface. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Grease and Prepare the PanTake a fairly heavy pan and grease it evenly with margarine. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Choose a pan that is not too light, as a heavier pan helps distribute heat more evenly when baking on a stovetop.
- Pour the Cake in Preparation for BakingPour the prepared batter into the pan, ensuring it doesn’t exceed half the pan’s depth. This allows room for the cake to rise as it bakes. Cover the pan with a fitting lid.
- Heat the Pan on a Gas Cooker/ StovePlace the pan with the cake batter on the smallest burner of your gas cooker or stovetop and let it heat for about20-30 seconds on high flame to preheat. Once heated, lower the flame to the lowest setting. This is crucial to prevent the cake from burning while ensuring even cooking.If using a wide burner, preheat for 20 seconds. Don’t reduce to the lowest setting. The lowest setting for a wide burner is too high. It will burn the cake before it’s ready. Instead, reduce the flame as though you are switching off and reduce to a very, very low flame as shown below.
- Bake the cakeLet the cake cook on this low flame for about 45 minutes to an hour or until it's done.
- Check for DonenessInsert a toothpick or knife into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is fully baked. If not, allow it to cook for a few more minutes.
- Flip for Even Browning (Optional)Once the cake is fully baked, you can flip it over onto a clean lid. Flip it again onto another clean lid to get the top side back up, then gently slide the pan over the cake to invert it back into the pan so the top part of the cake is at the bottom of the pan. Take it back on the low flame for another 10 minutes to brown that side too.
- Cool and ServeOnce browned, transfer the cake on to a clean plate and let it cool before slicing. The cake will usually have a beautiful golden color, soft texture, and rich banana flavor. Serve with tea, coffee, or as a snack for your family and guests.You can also serve it for breakfast or as a dessert.
