Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This banana blueberry cake recipe is the perfect solution for a delightful dessert or a satisfying breakfast treat. It's packed with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the juicy burst of blueberries, creating a flavor combination that's simply irresistible. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike, promising a delicious homemade cake without hours spent in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this quick dinner dessert – or even a healthy breakfast option!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple step ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases effortlessly.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a light and fluffy cake.
Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Adding the Fruit:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and blueberries. Folding, rather than stirring, helps to prevent the blueberries from breaking and keeps the cake texture nice and even.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart and ensures even cooling.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips for the Best Banana Blueberry Cake:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the cake from crumbling when you cut it.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delicious crunch.
- Use different berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries would also be delicious.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the banana and blueberry flavors.
- Make it a loaf cake: This recipe can easily be adapted for a loaf pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious banana blueberry cake is a perfect example of healthy meals made easy. It’s a simple, delicious and satisfying cake that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!