INTRODUCTION ABOUT BANANA CAKE
Banana cake is a moist, tender dessert made primarlywith mashed ripe bananas. Loved for its rich flavour and soft texture, it’s a classic treat that blends the natural sweetness of overripe bananas with the comforting softness of a sponge or butter cake. Banana cake is perfect for tea time, birthdays, or as an every day homemade treat. It’s often topped with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or simply served plain.
History and Origins
Banana cake likely originated in the United States during the 1930s when home baking became more popular and recipes using overripe bananas helped avoid food waste. The cake gained further popularity with the widespread use of baking soda and baking powder in home kitchens.
Key Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: These are crucial for the flavour and moisture of the cake. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more pronounced the banana flavour will be.
- Flour: All purpose flour is commonly used, but variations include whole wheat flour, pastry flour, or gluten free flour blends, according to inspired Taste.
- Sweetener: Granulated sugar and brown sugar are frequently used, with the brownsugar contributing to the cake’s softness and moisture.
- Fat: Butter is popular for its flavour and richness, while oil can also be used for moisture.
- Eggs: These add flavour and structure to the cake.
- Leavening agents: Baking soda or baking powder are used to help the cake rise.
- Flavourings: Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and other spices like nutmeg or cloves can be added for enhanced taste and aroma.
- Optional additions: Nuts(walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, dried fruits and even sour cream or buttermilk can be included for extra flavour and moisture, according to several sources.
Characteristics
- Moist and tender: The use of ripe bananas and often butter or oil contributes to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb.
- Sweet and flavourful: The natural sweetness of bananas shines through, complemented by added sugar and flavourings like cinnamon or vanilla.
- Versatile: Banana cake can be enjoyed plain, or elevated with various topping like cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Baking
- Use ripe bananas: The browner and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavourful the cake will be.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Properly measure flour: Use a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method for accurate measurement, avoiding a heavy cake.
- Grease the pan well : Banana cake is very moist and ca stick to the pan if not properly greased.
Banana cake vs Banana bread
While often used interchangeably, there can be subtle differences between banana cake and banana bread:
- Texture: Banana cake tends to be lighter and fluffier than banana bread, which can be denser.
- Sweetness: Banana cake often has a slightly higher sugar content compared to banana bread.
- Frosting: Banana cake is more frequently frosted than banana bread, although banana bread can also be enjoyed with toppings or glazes.
In essence, banana cake is a comforting and delightful dessert that’s relatively easy to make and offers a variety of customization options to suit different tastes.
Banana Cake Recipe
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe bananas (mashed) | 3 medium (about 1½ cups) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup |
| Brown sugar (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp |
| Milk or buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | ½ cup |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Stir in mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with milk (or buttermilk). Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Cream Cheese Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz (225g) |
| Butter (softened) | ¼ cup (60g) |
| Powdered sugar | 1½ – 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Instructions: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.
Standard Banana Cake Nutrition (Per Slice, ~80g)
- Calories: ~250–300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~40–45g
- Sugar: ~20–25g
- Fat: ~10–15g
- Protein: ~3–4g
- Fiber: ~2g
(Values can vary based on ingredients like butter, sugar, or flour type.)
Healthy Ingredient Swaps & Tips
Here are ways to boost nutrition and reduce excess calories:
1. Reduce Sugar
- Use ripe bananas to naturally sweeten the cake.
- Cut added sugar by 25–50% and add a touch of honey or maple syrup if needed.
2. Use Whole Grains
- Replace all or part of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour for extra fiber and nutrients.
3. Healthy Fats
- Substitute butter or oil with Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, or mashed avocado.
- If using oil, opt for olive oil or canola oil.
4. Add Protein
- Add chopped nuts, chia seeds, or use Greek yogurt in the batter.
- Consider using protein-rich flour like almond flour in part.
5. Portion Control
- Bake as muffins for better portioning and easier storage.
- Limit frosting or use light cream cheese frosting if needed.
Variations of decoration:
1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
- Decoration: Smooth or swirl the frosting on top and sides.
- Toppings:
- Sliced fresh bananas (add just before serving to avoid browning)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg
2. Chocolate Ganache or Drizzle
- Decoration: Pour a shiny chocolate ganache over the top so it gently drips down the sides.
- Toppings:
- Banana chips
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Caramel sauce drizzle
3. Rustic & Natural Look
- Decoration: Spread frosting casually, and leave sides semi-naked.
- Toppings:
- Edible flowers
- Crushed nuts around the edge
- Sliced bananas arranged like petals
4. Banana Theme Toppings
- Use:
- Mini banana candies
- Banana chips
- Banana buttercream piped into rosettes or swirls
5. Celebration Style
- Decoration: Pipe borders with a piping bag and star tip.
- Toppings:
- Sprinkles
- Cake toppers (e.g., “Happy Birthday” signs)
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi for color contrast
Pro Tips:
- Prevent banana slices from browning: Brush with lemon juice.
- Chill before slicing: Helps set soft frostings and gives cleaner cuts.
- Match flavors: Use toppings like cinnamon, honey, peanut butter glaze, or coconut to enhance banana’s flavor.
