Banana Bread Crazy Cake (also known as Wacky Cake) is a delicious, Depression-era inspired treat made without eggs, milk, or butter. What’s even better? You don’t need a bowl or mixer to make it! This easy, budget-friendly banana cake strikes the perfect balance between bread and cake—light yet substantial, and simply irresistible. You’re going to love how tasty and effortless it is!
INGREDIENTS
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- ½ cup overripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup water
Optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for mashed bananas, optional) See Recipe Notes belo
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl (or directly in the baking pan), combine the first six dry ingredients. Make three depressions in the mixture—two small ones and one larger.
- In the small depressions, add vinegar in one, vanilla extract in the other, and vegetable oil in the larger one.
- Add the mashed bananas and pour the water over everything. Mix until the batter is smooth. If using a bowl, transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes on the middle rack. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
This cake is perfect served plain or topped with your favorite frosting (vanilla, buttercream, or cream cheese), chopped pecans or walnuts, and freshly sliced banana. For a lighter option, simply dust with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream
NOTES
- Adding 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the mashed bananas helps preserve their color and freshness.
- Ensure your baking soda, baking powder, and vinegar are fresh, as expired ingredients can affect the cake’s rise.
- See my “Tips for Making Banana Bread Crazy Cake” post for frosting recommendations.
- Baking times may vary, so always check the center of the cake with a toothpick.
- For a fun twist, add ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Crazy Cake.
- If not frosted, the cake can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, refrigerate it, covered, for up to 6 days.
- You can mix the ingredients in a bowl if you prefer, then pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Both vegetable oil or canola oil work well in this recipe.
- You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on what you have on hand.
