Soft, moist and fluffy, this Steamed Banana Cake is a simple and comforting cake made using ripe bananas and basic pantry ingredients. Unlike a baked banana cake, this version is steamed, giving it a softer and slightly lighter texture while still retaining plenty of moisture from the bananas.

This recipe is Episode 2 of my “Recipe for My Parents” series, where I create bakes and desserts that are gentler, less sweet and more suitable for my parents to enjoy! For this cake, I wanted soemthing simple, soft and easy to eat, while still being fragrant and satisfying.

Steamed Banana Cake is also great if you do not have an oven, or if you prefer a cake that is less rich than the usual butter-based banana cake. It is a good way to use up overripe bananas, and the recipe comes together with a simple fork, spoon and bowl!

The cake is naturally fragrant from the bananas, lightly sweet and pairs well with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can enjoy it plain, top it with sliced bananas, or drizzle some melted chocolate for a slightly more indulgent finish.

Why You Should Make This

  • Suitable for beginners, no oven, mixer or complicated steps. The batter comes together by hand
  • Lighter and less heavy than usual butter-based or oil-based cakes
  • Simple but thoughtful as it is not overly sweet or overly rich, making it suitable as a breakfast cake or tea-time treat

I hope this will be a useful recipe for your family and without further ado, the recipe!

Video Coming Soon!

Steamed Banana Cake Recipe
by Javier Tan May-16-2026

Make this soft, moist Steamed Banana Cake with ripe bananas and simple ingredients. A comforting, less sweet recipe that is really easy.

Ingredients

  • 2 Ripe Bananas, Approx 180g – 200g Mashed
  • A large egg, approx 60g
  • 3 Tbsps or 35g of White Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp + 2 Tsp or 40ml Milk
  • 2 Tbsp or 30ml Neutral Oil (e.g. Canola) or Melted Butter
  • 1 Tsp or 5ml Vanilla Essence
  • 1 Cup or 120g of All-Purpose / Plain Flour
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 1 Tsp or 4g of Baking Powder
  • (Optional for topping) 1 Sliced Banana, Honey and Granola

Instructions

  1. Set the steamer to high heat and line a 6 inch baking tray with parchment paper for the base.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas then whisk in egg, sugar, milk, oil and vanilla.
  3. Then, whisk in the baking powder, plain flour and pinch of salt.
  4. Transfer the batter to the cake pan and steam for 12 mins until the top is set. Place in the sliced bananas, pushing it in gently. If possible, cover the top of the baking tray with aluminium foil.
  5. Next, continue steaming until nicely risen and golden brown, approx 20+ more mins (total steam time 33 – 35 mins).
  6. Leave to cool before unmoulding and topping off with honey and granola.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Details

  • Prep time: 30 mins
  • Cook time: 35 mins
  • Total time: 1 hour 5 mins
  • Yield: 1 x Soft, Fragrant and Less Sweet Steamed Banana Cake

Notes:

  1. If you would like to be updated for more recipes which I strive to create to perfection for sharing and for free, do check out my Instagram, Facebook Page, or YouTube 🙂 Thank you so much for all of your support! Feel free to tag me or link back here!
  2. Store at room temp for up to 2 – 3 days or keep refrigerated, preferably covered, for at least a week.
  3. Please do not copy and paste the recipe without my permission, but feel free to link back here!

Enjoy!
– Bakeomaniac, Javier Tan