Indulge in the delightful world of banana cake, where the rich and comforting flavors of ripe bananas meld with the tender crumb of a freshly baked treat. This beloved dessert has earned its place as a timeless classic, capturing the hearts of dessert enthusiasts of all ages.
The essence of banana cake lies in the humble banana itself. Ripe and fragrant, these luscious fruits bring natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cake, creating a symphony of flavors that excite the taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a simple afternoon indulgence or presented as a showstopping centerpiece at special gatherings, banana cake never fails to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
The beauty of this cake lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. From the addition of nuts for crunch to the subtle aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, banana cake can easily be customized to suit individual preferences. It is equally delightful as a plain loaf or adorned with a velvety cream cheese frosting for those seeking an extra layer of decadence.
Throughout its rich history, banana cake has found its way into the hearts of countless cultures, each infusing their own unique twist into this delightful dessert. Whether enjoyed during family gatherings, festive celebrations, or moments of solitude with a cup of tea, banana cake remains a timeless indulgence that brings comfort and joy to all who taste it.
So, join in the celebration of flavors and embark on a culinary journey filled with the magic of ripe bananas and the art of baking. Embrace the allure of banana cake, and let each tender slice transport you to a world of sweet delight and cherished memories.
plum cake recipe
Course: cake, Dessert4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesSavor the irresistible charm of banana cake – a delightful fusion of ripe bananas and tender crumb. This easy-to-make treat offers a burst of natural sweetness and a comforting aroma that will enchant your taste buds. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, this banana cake recipe promises a slice of pure delight in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice)
- Optional add-ins:
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
- For the cream cheese frosting (optional):
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, but avoid overmixing.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips into the cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the banana cake in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake. - Slice and serve the delicious banana cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe bananas that are slightly soft and have a few brown spots. Overripe bananas with a strong banana aroma work exceptionally well, as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly before using.
- Mixing the Batter: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a denser cake, so avoid vigorous stirring.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to customize the banana cake by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness. Chocolate chips can also be a delightful addition for chocolate lovers.
- Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is optional but highly recommended for an indulgent treat. It complements the banana cake’s flavors wonderfully. If you prefer a simpler cake, you can omit the frosting or use a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting it or serving. If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting may melt and become runny.
- Storage: Store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you have frosted the cake, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
- Freezing: If you have leftover cake or want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Serving: Banana cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Enjoy baking and savoring this scrumptious banana cake!
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in the banana cake recipe?
Yes, you can use regular milk as a substitute for buttermilk. Simply add 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This will create a similar effect to buttermilk in the cake.
How do I know when the bananas are ripe enough for the cake?
Ripe bananas for the cake should be slightly soft to the touch and have a few brown spots on the skin. They should also emit a sweet, banana aroma. Overripe bananas with a stronger fragrance work well too, as they provide more natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
Can I freeze the banana cake?
Yes, you can freeze banana cake. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For frosted cakes, it’s best to freeze them without the frosting and add the frosting after thawing.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the banana cake batter?
Absolutely! You can customize the banana cake by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness. Additionally, you can incorporate other fruits like blueberries or diced apples for unique variations.
How long will the banana cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the banana cake will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it’s frosted, store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version of the cake. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour can yield a denser texture compared to all-purpose flour. You can also use a combination of both flours for a balanced result.
Is banana cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the banana cake recipe provided is suitable for vegetarians, as it does not include any meat or animal-derived ingredients.
Enjoy baking your banana cake, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
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