Craving a simple, comforting treat? This banana walnut snack cake is a delightfully easy cake recipe perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without much fuss. You’ll love how quickly you can whip up this moist, flavorful cake.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for sweetness and moisture. Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard for baking. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if preferred.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch. Pecans or chocolate chips make great substitutes if you’re not a fan of walnuts.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist. Any neutral oil like canola oil or melted coconut oil works well.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9×9 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your easy cake recipe won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. This creates a uniform mixture for your simple cake.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until smooth. Your easy cake batter is coming together!
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Bake Your Snack Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This easy cake recipe will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. This comforting snack cake is ready to be devoured.
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Add ½ cup chocolate chips with the walnuts.
- Spice It Up: Include ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Streusel Topping: Mix ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 tablespoon cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter before baking.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a sweeter treat, whip up a simple cream cheese frosting to spread on top once cooled.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover banana walnut snack cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To enjoy warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this easy cake recipe?
A: Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: My cake turned out dry. What went wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and test for doneness with a skewer.
Q: Do I need to toast the walnuts?
A: Toasted walnuts can enhance their flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary for this easy cake recipe.
Q: Can I make this as muffins?
A: Absolutely! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Q: Is this a good recipe for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s an excellent easy cake recipe, perfect for those new to baking.
Q: What kind of oil is best for this cake?
A: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil works best to let the banana flavor shine.