Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This banana cake recipe with nuts is the perfect answer for a delicious homemade treat, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a weekend baking project. It's a simple recipe, ideal for beginners, yet delivers a fantastic result that will impress even the most seasoned bakers. This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that's both healthy and satisfying. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ 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 3 medium)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake will slide out easily once baked.
Dry Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Wet Ingredients: The Magic Combination
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results – this creates air, leading to a lighter cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combining Wet and Dry: Gentle Incorporation
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake.
Adding the Stars: Bananas and Nuts
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and your choice of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or both!). If using chocolate chips, add them now too.
Baking to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes – ovens can vary.
Cooling and Serving: The Grand Finale
- 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 sticking and ensures even cooling. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Banana Cake Success:
- Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture. The riper, the better!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Toothpick Test: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Variations:
- Spiced Banana Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Banana Nut Bread: Bake this batter in a bread pan instead of a loaf pan for a different texture and presentation.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your cooled cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on nut type and additions)
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This banana cake recipe with nuts is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for quick dinner ideas or a satisfying dessert. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking! This recipe is amongst the best recipes for its simplicity and delicious taste. Try it out and let me know what you think!