Banana Cake
Are you ready to indulge in a moist and flavorful banana cake? This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, our banana cake recipe uses ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a wonderful texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying a slice in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
For one serving (1 slice), the nutritional value is approximately 200 calories, 8g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is a delightful treat to enjoy without too much guilt!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated.
- If using, fold in nuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water). Additionally, use coconut oil instead of butter.
Serving and Pairings
Banana cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas can result in a less sweet cake.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture.
- Not greasing the pan properly may cause sticking.
- Underbaking can result in a gooey center.
- Forgetting to add baking soda may prevent rising.
Helpful Tips
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Try adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for banana cake?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I make my banana cake more moist?
To increase moisture, add a bit more mashed banana or a splash of milk to the batter.
What frosting goes well with banana cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, but vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache also works wonderfully.
Can I add other fruits to the batter?
Absolutely! You can mix in blueberries, chopped apples, or even pineapple for added flavor.
Is banana cake healthy?
While it does contain sugar and butter, using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and nutrients. Moderation is key for a balanced diet!
Conclusion
Banana cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet, rich flavors of ripe bananas in a moist and fluffy cake. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Enjoy your baking and the delicious results that follow!
Banana Cake
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Add sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just incorporated.
- If using, fold in nuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
