Banana Cake
Indulge in the delightful taste of banana cake, a perfect blend of sweetness and moistness that will satisfy your cravings. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also uses ripe bananas, making it a fantastic way to use up those overripe fruits. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this banana cake is sure to impress and please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) of banana cake contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 38g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. This nutritional information is based on a standard slice size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Additionally, maple syrup or honey can replace granulated sugar for a natural sweetener. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of buttermilk.
Serving and Pairings
Banana cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be served with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. Consider garnishing with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using under-ripe bananas will result in a less flavorful cake.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture.
- Not preheating the oven can affect the baking time.
- Skip the cooling time; cutting the cake too early may cause it to crumble.
- Forgetting to grease the pan can lead to sticking.
- Ignoring the toothpick test can result in undercooked cake.
- Using cold ingredients instead of room temperature can affect the mixing process.
Helpful Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a warm flavor.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for a delicious finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Absolutely! Chopped apples or berries can complement the banana flavor nicely.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately for optimal texture, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
Conclusion
Banana cake is a delightful dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it will surely become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with frosting, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate the humble banana!
Banana Cake
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.