If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your typical banana treat, this Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines the creamy nuttiness of tahini with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a cake that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Perfectly moist and lightly spiced, this snack cake offers a subtle Middle Eastern flair that makes it a standout choice whether for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert. I love how simple ingredients come together effortlessly here—each bite brings a balance of flavors that is comforting and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic for this Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building the cake’s texture, taste, and aroma. From ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture to tahini lending a rich, creamy depth, these components are both accessible and special.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient — they bring sweetness and moisture naturally.
- ½ cup tahini: Adds a nutty, smooth richness that’s truly unique in cakes.
- â…“ cup maple syrup or honey: Offers gentle sweetness with a lovely hint of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and lifts the sweetness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour): Provides the base for the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and get a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice notes that complement the bananas perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional topping): For an extra crunch and visual appeal, plus a nod to tahini’s sesame origins.
How to Make Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly. Setting this up early means you can pour your batter directly when it’s ready, without any fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, tahini, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend forms the moist and flavorful base of the cake, marrying the fruity sweetness and nutty bitterness in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients bring structure, lift, and a spicy warmth to the cake. Making sure they’re evenly mixed before adding ensures the cake bakes uniformly.
Step 4: Gently Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet banana-tahini mixture. Using a spatula, stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and soft rather than dense. The moment the batter looks uniform, it’s ready to go!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’re using them for added texture and a beautiful finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares so the texture sets properly.
How to Serve Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is delicious on its own but getting creative with garnishes can take it to another level. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness or a drizzle of tahini and honey swirl to reinforce the nutty notes. Toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. A fresh fruit salad or a handful of berries can add brightness and freshness, balancing the rich flavors of the cake beautifully. A warm cup of tea or coffee complements this snack cake perfectly, creating a cozy, comforting snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe into smaller bars for a grab-and-go treat or cut into mini cubes to serve at parties alongside toothpicks. You could also transform it into a layered dessert by adding whipped coconut cream and banana slices between squares. The subtle flavors open many possibilities for presentation and enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep any leftover pieces of this Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge will help preserve moisture and freshness for up to five days. It remains moist and flavorful whether eaten chilled or warmed.
Freezing
This cake freezes very well! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven or microwave for a quick, delicious treat.
Reheating
Reheat your cake slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the softness and enhance the aroma of tahini and spices, making it taste freshly baked all over again. Pair reheated cake with your favorite spread for an irresistible snack.
FAQs
Can I use a substitute for tahini in this cake?
While tahini is key for that signature nutty flavor, you can experiment with almond or sunflower seed butter as alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change, but the cake will still turn out delicious.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose or whole wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with plenty of brown spots have the sweetest, most intense flavor, which helps balance the tahini and syrup, making your cake tastier and moister.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding about a quarter cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking adds lovely texture and extra flavor. Just be cautious not to overload the batter to keep the crumb tender.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Not as is due to the eggs. However, you can try substituting each egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds + 2.5 tablespoons water, soaked for 5 minutes) to make it vegan-friendly with a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
This Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy bananas and tahini together in a comforting, easy cake that feels both nourishing and indulgent. The balance of flavors and effortless prep make it perfect for any time you want a wholesome snack or a simple dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how special this humble snack cake can be!
Print
Tahini Banana Snack Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tahini Banana Snack Cake is a moist, naturally dairy-free treat blending ripe bananas with nutty tahini and lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect as a wholesome breakfast, snack, or dessert, it offers a tender crumb with a hint of warm cinnamon and optional sesame seed topping for added texture. Easy to prepare and baked in just 30 minutes, this Middle Eastern-inspired cake is both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup tahini
- â…“ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, tahini, maple syrup (or honey), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy batter base.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the cake.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture in the cake.
- Transfer batter and add topping: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the surface for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. This allows the cake to set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, try stirring in ¼ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- This cake is naturally dairy-free and lightly sweetened, making it a wholesome option for breakfast, snacks, or a light dessert.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and increased fiber content.
