A Luscious Banana Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of pecans, creating a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple and makes use of common pantry ingredients, delivering a scrumptious result that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a celebration, a potluck, or simply a sweet treat at home, this cake is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Luscious Banana Pecan Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake and provides the necessary structure and texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, contributing to its tender crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake while also aiding in the creaming process for texture.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure, stability, and moisture. For an eggless version, you could use a substitute like applesauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is essential for flavor, bringing a warm and aromatic sweetness to the cake.
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of this recipe, bananas add natural sweetness and a moist texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This ingredient enhances moisture and adds a slight tang, enriching the flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Pecans provide a nutty crunch and complement the flavors of the banana beautifully.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Used for the glaze, it adds richness and a smooth finish to the cake.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the glaze and contributes to its smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Used again in the glaze for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
- Sliced bananas and additional chopped pecans for topping: These are optional, but they add a nice presentation and enhance flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. This step ensures that the leavening agent is well distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, aiding in achieving a light texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Bananas and Sour Cream
Next, add the mashed bananas and sour cream to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, which must be blended well.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans to incorporate them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as baking times may vary based on your oven.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the glaze.
Step 9: Apply the Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. For a beautiful presentation, top with sliced bananas and additional chopped pecans. Serve and enjoy this delightful cake with friends and family!
Cooking Tips
- Banana Selection: Choose ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
- Proper Creaming: Ensure that the butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugar. Do not melt the butter, as that could alter the texture of the cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake because it develops gluten.
- Checking Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, the cake should spring back when lightly pressed in the center if it is done baking.
- Cooling: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it set properly before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from falling apart.
Variations
- Nut Substitutions: If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
- Flavored Glaze: Experiment with the glaze by adding cocoa powder to create a chocolate glaze or using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste.
- Spiced Version: Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spiced flavor that pairs well with bananas.
- Fruit Add-ins: Consider adding other fruits like blueberries or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the two large eggs with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxegg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
Can I use other types of flour?
For a gluten-free option, feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour. Make sure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I store leftover cake?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or even a layer of chocolate frosting on top for a decadent twist.
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
The Luscious Banana Pecan Cake is a wonderful dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of banana and pecans into a moist, delicious cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to indulge in something sweet, this recipe is perfect for any event. By following this guide, you can easily create a delightful cake that will be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy making this flavorful dessert and sharing it with your loved ones!