Are you craving a delicious, moist, and easy-to-make dessert that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This banana snack cake recipe is the perfect solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without any fuss. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and busy weeknights alike. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- ½ cup milk (any kind works)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release of your delicious banana snack cake.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, resulting in a perfectly risen cake.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, making for a lighter texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and any nuts you're using.
Step 5: Bake: 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, as ovens can vary.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve. This banana snack cake is delicious on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Tips for the Best Banana Snack 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.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Spiced Banana Cake: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth.
- Glazed Banana Cake: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 4-5g
This banana snack cake recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a perfect homemade treat for any occasion, and the deliciousness speaks for itself! Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dessert. It’s a great example of delicious dishes that are easy to make, perfect for busy lives, and a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas.