Ingredients:

  • 1.25 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (approx. 1 cup)
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prep. Set your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your two 10cm pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Note: Lining the bottom is the only way to guarantee a clean release for such small cakes.
  2. Mix Dry Components. In a medium bowl, whisk the white whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. until no clumps remain and the mixture looks uniform.
  3. Liquid Emulsion. In a large bowl, mash your bananas until they are basically a thick liquid. Whisk in the egg, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until the mixture is glossy and fully combined.
  4. The Fold. Gently tip the dry ingredients into the wet banana base. Use a spatula to fold them in. until just combined with no visible white streaks. Don't overdo it!
  5. The Bake. Divide the batter equally between your two pans. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back.
  6. Thicken the Frosting. While the cakes bake, place your Greek yogurt in a cheesecloth lined strainer over a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes until it has thickened to a cream cheese-like state.
  7. Final Frosting Mix. Discard the liquid whey. Stir the maple syrup and remaining vanilla into the thickened yogurt until silky and smooth.
  8. Cooling is Key. Remove cakes from pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack. until they are cold to the touch. If they are even slightly warm, the yogurt will melt.
  9. Assemble the Smash. Place one layer down, top with a generous dollop of frosting, and stack the second layer. until the cake is stable and centered.
  10. Finish the Look. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. Smooth it out or leave it rustic for that viral homemade feel. Once you’ve mastered this base, you’ll realize how versatile it is. For a version with even more fruit forward flavor, check out this [Banana Smash Cake](https://gimmebites.com/recipes/healthy-banana-smash-cake/) which is a hit for little ones who love that classic banana bread vibe.