Vegan banana cake

Vegan Banana Cake - A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Recipe

If you are looking for a quick dessert recipe that combines natural flavors with a fluffy and moist texture, then the vegan banana cake is the perfect choice! This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy option, packed with nutrients. Additionally, it is ideal for those following a vegan diet or for those who want to avoid animal products.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8

A Brief History of Cake

Cake is a traditional dessert that has been made in various forms over time, with deep roots in culinary culture around the world. Each region has developed its own version of cake, using local and seasonal ingredients. In the vegan version, bananas are the key ingredient, bringing both sweetness and moisture, making it a popular choice among those who want to avoid eggs and dairy.

Ingredients

- 3 ripe bananas (ideally with brown spots for an intense flavor)
- 1 cup of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or natural extract for a more intense flavor)
- 150 ml of oil (sunflower oil is a good choice, but you can also use coconut oil for a subtle aroma)
- 250 g of flour (whole wheat flour for extra fiber)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- Zest of one lemon and one orange (for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup of ground nuts (optional, but recommended for texture and taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the bananas: Start by peeling the bananas and adding them to a large bowl. Use a fork to mash them well until you achieve a smooth puree. If you like larger pieces in the cake, you can leave some bigger banana chunks.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Add the sugar over the banana puree and mix well. Then, add the vanilla extract and oil. It is important to add the oil gradually while constantly mixing to achieve a smooth composition.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking soda and baking powder. It is very important to sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Add the lemon and orange zest for added flavor.

4. Combining the mixtures: Start to gradually add the dry mixture to the wet one, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix, just until the ingredients are well incorporated. Finally, add the ground nuts, mixing gently.

5. Preparing the pan: Grease a loaf pan with oil or vegetable butter (if you don't want it to be vegan, you can use butter) and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can use parchment paper.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. For a more appetizing appearance, you can add banana slices on top – they will caramelize during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is essential to respect this step, as removing the cake from the pan when it is warm can lead to it breaking.

Serving

The vegan banana cake is perfect served plain, but you can enhance it with a cocoa glaze, a spoonful of fruit jam, or a scoop of vegan ice cream. You can also pair it with a fragrant tea or a fruit smoothie for a healthy breakfast or delicious snack.

Nutritional Benefits

- Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, having a positive impact on digestion and heart health.
- Nuts add healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Whole wheat flour provides additional fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Tips and Variations

- For a fluffier cake, you can add a grated apple or a carrot for extra moisture and sweetness.
- Enhance the flavor by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredient mix.
- If you prefer a more chocolatey cake, you can add 50 g of cocoa powder to the mixture or sprinkle vegan chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.
2. How much sugar can I use? You can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (if it’s not a strict vegan recipe).
3. How can I tell if the cake is done? Use a toothpick to check if it passes the test – if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

I encourage you to try this vegan banana cake recipe and enjoy its delicious flavor! It is a perfect option for days when you want to treat yourself to something sweet without compromising your dietary principles. Enjoy!