This banana cake is incredibly soft and tender, with a subtle banana aroma that enhances the cake's natural sweetness. Using very ripe bananas with brown spots brings out a rich flavor, while the addition of nuts and raisins adds a delightful texture. The cake is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from an afternoon snack to a family gathering. Topped with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, it’s a treat that both looks and tastes amazing.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this banana cake because it’s a wonderful balance of moist, fluffy texture with the natural sweetness of bananas. The addition of nuts gives it a pleasant crunch, while the raisins add little bursts of flavor. The recipe is versatile, so you can adjust the amount of flour based on the size of the bananas, ensuring a perfectly balanced batter every time. Plus, the cake comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want a homemade dessert without too much effort.
Perfect Occasion: This banana cake is perfect for any casual occasion or special event. Serve it as a quick dessert after dinner, a snack with coffee or tea, or even as a breakfast treat. It’s also great for picnics or potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and stays fresh for days. The banana flavor and soft texture make it appealing to both kids and adults, and it’s a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter.
Decoration Tips: To elevate the presentation, slice a banana lengthwise and lay it on top of the batter before baking for a decorative touch. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts on top for a rustic look. After baking, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. For a more indulgent option, drizzle with a bit of caramel or honey.
Ingredients:
- 2 large ripe bananas (preferably with brown spots)
- 100g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 eggs
- 50ml odorless vegetable oil
- 200-220g all-purpose flour (adjust based on the size of the bananas)
- 15g baking powder
- 50g chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 30g raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the batter.
- Mash the bananas: In a bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the sugar, salt, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat the mixture with a mixer until smooth and slightly lightened in color.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually sift the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
- Add the nuts and raisins: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, stirring just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease or line a 26x17 cm baking pan (or a round 22-24 cm pan) with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Decorate: For a beautiful finish, you can place extra chopped nuts or a banana sliced lengthwise on top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan. For serving, you can dust it with powdered sugar or enjoy it as is.
Enjoy your soft and fragrant banana cake, perfect for any time of day!