Vegan Banana Cake Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to a delightful plant-based treat with our Vegan Banana Cake recipe! This cake is a perfect blend of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a moist, tender crumb that appeals to both vegan and non-vegan palates. Ideal for special occasions, a casual afternoon tea, or simply as a nutritious snack, this cake is not only dairy-free and egg-free but also incredibly easy to prepare. With wholesome ingredients and a delicious flavor profile, it embodies the essence of comfort food while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. Read on to discover how to make this scrumptious cake that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed; the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted; for moisture and a subtle coconut flavor)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (for natural sweetness; can substitute with agave nectar or another liquid sweetener)
- 1/4 cup almond milk (unsweetened; or any other plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps with leavening and provides a slight tang)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for leavening; ensures a light and fluffy texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (aiding in rising)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds a warm, comforting flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for balance)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional; for added texture and flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional; for a touch of chocolatey goodness)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (chilled; the thick part of a can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or another preferred sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional; for texture and decoration)
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the cake.
- Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of mashed bananas.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Ensure that the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Banana and Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture. Stir until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Sift and Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. This ensures there are no lumps and helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and vegan chocolate chips. These add texture and extra flavor to the cake.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the Frosting:
- Chill Coconut Cream: To prepare the frosting, first chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Once chilled, open the can and scoop out the thick coconut cream that has solidified on top.
- Beat Coconut Cream: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the coconut cream until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sweetener and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the coconut cream. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and airy, and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the finely chopped walnuts over the top for added texture and a decorative touch. Slice and serve the cake.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (based on cutting into 12 slices)
Calories per Serving: 250
Total Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Net Carbohydrates: 23 grams
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 14 grams
Sodium: 120 mg
SmartPoints® Value (WW): 9 points per serving (Note: SmartPoints® values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Additional Tips
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for baking.
- Flour Alternatives: If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend, make sure it includes xanthan gum or guar gum, which helps with texture and binding.
- Sweetener Variations: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or powdered sugar in the frosting according to your taste preferences. You can substitute with other liquid or powdered sweeteners.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you need a nut-free version, replace the walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a soy-free option, ensure that your plant-based milk is soy-free.
- Healthier Options: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of oil by using unsweetened applesauce or a mashed avocado. This will lower the fat content while still keeping the cake moist.
- Decorative Ideas: Decorate with fresh banana slices, a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate, or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
Conclusion
This Vegan Banana Cake recipe offers a delightful combination of natural sweetness and moist texture, making it a versatile and enjoyable dessert for any occasion. Its easy preparation and wholesome ingredients ensure that it aligns with a plant-based diet while still delivering on taste and indulgence. With the option to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or different frosting flavors, this cake can be tailored to suit a variety of preferences.