Delicious Banana Cake

This banana cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of overripe bananas with the rich flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon. The cake is soft and moist, thanks to a blend of pancake flour and sour cream, with the added touch of vanilla and brown sugar giving it a comforting aroma. Baked with layers of sliced bananas at the bottom, this cake looks as good as it tastes. Ideal for any occasion, it can be served as a chilled dessert for a summer treat or warm during cold evenings. The recipe offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing you to use ripe bananas you have on hand or substitute maple syrup with honey. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this cake's straightforward preparation promises a delightful baking experience. The result is a cake that's not too sweet, allowing the natural flavors of bananas to shine through. Follow the steps below for a banana cake that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 300g brown sugar
• 250g butter
• 2 large overripe bananas
• 6-8 small bananas
• 12 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 4 tablespoons sour cream (20%)
• 2 cups pancake flour

Spices & Flavors:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 packets vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven to 160°C (320°F) to ensure it's ready for baking the cake.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a bowl, whip the soft butter together with brown sugar until it forms a light and airy mixture.
3. Add Eggs: Gradually add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition.
4. Mix in Sour Cream: Incorporate the sour cream into the mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Prepare Banana Puree: Peel the overripe bananas and blend them until smooth.
6. Combine Banana Puree: Mix the banana puree into the butter, egg, and sugar blend.
7. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the cinnamon and vanilla sugar, then continue to beat the mixture at a low speed.
8. Incorporate Flour and Soda: Sift the pancake flour and baking soda together, then gradually fold into the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter.
9. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, generously grease it with butter and pour in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
10. Arrange Bananas: Peel and slice the small bananas lengthwise, placing them cut-side down in the prepared pan.
11. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the arranged bananas.
12. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Use a skewer to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted at the center.
13. Soak Hot Cake: While still hot, soak the cake with the remaining maple syrup to enhance flavor and moisture.
14. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve. It can be garnished with your choice of toppings for additional flavor.

Tips

• Ripeness Matters: Use bananas that are overripe for a sweeter and more flavorful cake.
• Maple Syrup Substitute: If maple syrup isn’t available, honey works as a great alternative.
• Dietary Adjustments: To make it gluten-free, you may substitute pancake flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Variations

• Nut Addition: For extra crunch, include chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg for an additional spice layer.
• Low Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with a less refined sugar like coconut sugar for a healthier version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
• Add fresh strawberries or blueberries on top for a refreshing twist.

Best Places

• Bananappeal Café - Known for its creative banana-based desserts. Location: 123 Banana Lane, New York, USA.
• The Banana Stand - Offers unique banana dishes and drinks. Location: 456 Tropic Dr, Miami, USA.
• Café Bananarama - Loved for its cozy atmosphere and banana pastries. Location: 789 Fruit Ave, London, UK.
• Banana Tree Bistro - Perfect for healthy banana-inspired meals. Location: 234 Leafy Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
• Tropical Banana Bar - Famous for their banana cocktails. Location: 567 Sunny Pl, Honolulu, USA.
• Banana Bread Heaven - A favorite spot for banana loaf lovers. Location: 890 Nut Rd, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Banana Republic Café - Offers banana treats with a Caribbean flair. Location: 134 Spice St, Kingston, Jamaica.
• Banana Fiesta - Known for its vibrant vibe and banana dishes. Location: 678 Celebration Ln, Barcelona, Spain.
• Banana Bliss Bakery - Delightful banana cakes and pastries. Location: 210 Sweet Tooth Ln, Paris, France.
• The Banana Lounge - Offers a luxurious banana dessert experience. Location: 345 Dessert St, Dubai, UAE.