Are you craving a moist, delicious banana cake that's bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This recipe is inspired by the legendary Banana Dream Cake from TooJays, a beloved dessert known for its irresistible texture and sweet banana taste. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure happiness – this homemade version is surprisingly easy and delivers on all the deliciousness. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for a quick dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Dry ingredients: 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: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results; this incorporates air for a lighter texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Bananas and nuts: Gently fold in the mashed bananas and optional nuts. Folding helps retain the air incorporated earlier, resulting in a softer cake.
Bake: 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.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking and ensures even cooling.
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Dream: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the bananas for a delightful twist.
- Spiced Banana Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your cake with a homemade cream cheese frosting. The tanginess complements the sweetness of the banana perfectly.
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures proper emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on variations and serving size)
This recipe provides a delicious and relatively healthy treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without excessive guilt. Remember to adjust serving sizes to fit your dietary needs.
This Banana Dream Cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy baking!