Banana and Nut Cake

This delicious banana and nut cake is a fantastic treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of hazelnuts. Perfectly moist and easy to prepare, it makes for an indulgent snack or a delightful dessert. The cake's natural sweetness comes from bananas, complemented by the warm, nutty taste of hazelnuts. It's an excellent way to use overripe bananas, reducing food waste and transforming them into something special. With a hint of lemon to enhance the flavor, this cake is both refreshing and comforting. Ideal for casual family gatherings or more formal occasions, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The recipe is straightforward, needing just a few pantry staples, making this a convenient choice for a quick bake. Enjoy the aroma while it bakes, and savor the flavors that this lovely cake brings to the table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g soft butter
• 200 g brown sugar
• 5 eggs
• 500 g bananas
• 1/2 lemon juice
• 250 g flour
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 250 g hazelnuts

Preparation Time

Total Time: 75 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C as you prepare the cake batter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soft butter and 150 g of the brown sugar. Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time. Continue beating the mixture until it achieves a creamy texture.
4. In a separate bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until they are smooth. Add the lemon juice to the mashed bananas to prevent browning and mix well.
5. Gently fold the banana mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation.
6. Combine the flour and baking powder, then sift this dry mixture into the banana batter.
7. Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts to the batter, mixing until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout.
8. Grease a baking tray with a bit of butter or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared tray, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.
10. Sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the batter for a caramelized finish.
11. Place the tray in the oven and reduce the temperature to 180°C. Bake the cake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Once cooled, cut the cake into desired-sized pieces.
14. Serve and enjoy your homemade banana and nut cake!

Tips

• Substitution Tip: If hazelnuts are unavailable, walnuts or pecans can be excellent substitutes for a similar texture and flavor.
• Ripeness of Bananas: Ensure the bananas are ripe for the sweetest taste.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 34g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use almond or coconut flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Pair with a hot beverage like coffee or tea.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Best Places

• Baked (Coffee & Bakery) - Known for its delightful and aromatic banana cakes. Location: 9095 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, USA.
• FIKA - Swedish coffee culture with heavenly banana nut cakes. Location: 40 Park Ave, New York, USA.
• The Cake Shop - Specializes in handcrafted cakes including unique banana nut recipes. Location: C.C. El Faro, Marina Rubicón, Spain.
• Café de Flore - Experience banana cake in a chic Parisian ambiance. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• The Hazelnut Mountain Café - A cozy place offering exquisite banana hazelnut delights. Location: 138 Kato Paphitis, Cyprus.
• Café Landtmann - Elegant café offering rich banana and nut cakes. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Beacon Hill Bistro - Offers classic banana nut cake with a fresh twist. Location: 25 Charles St, Boston, USA.
• Breakfast in America - Perfect spot for a banana cake brunch. Location: 17 Rue des Écoles, Paris, France.
• Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Café - Scenic views complemented by delicious cakes. Location: Brsalje 1, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
• The Coffee Factory - Combines rustic charm with mouth-watering banana nut cakes. Location: 10 Bedford Rd, London, UK.