Are you craving a comforting, flavorful cake that's surprisingly good for you? Look no further! This super moist banana carrot cake recipe is the perfect blend of deliciousness and wholesome ingredients. Forget those dry, overly-sweet cakes; this recipe delivers a tender crumb, bursting with the natural sweetness of bananas and carrots, making it an ideal healthy meal option or a delightful dessert. It's an easy recipe, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick dinner idea or a special treat. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 large bananas)
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
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 easier removal. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensures easy serving of your delicious homemade cake.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Adding the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of this easy recipe.
Bringing it all Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Adding the Star Ingredients:
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and grated carrots. The vibrant color and moisture from these ingredients create this irresistible homemade cake.
Baking Time:
- 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.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can frost it with your favorite cream cheese frosting or simply enjoy it plain.
Tips for a Perfect Banana Carrot Cake:
- Use 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 wooden skewer or toothpick 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 frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. Use vegan butter or oil.
- Create mini cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on frosting and variations)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious and healthy banana carrot cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and impress your friends and family with your homemade baking skills! It's a delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite.