Craving a delicious, comforting treat that’s also incredibly simple? This Moist Banana Walnut Loaf is a perfect simple cake recipe for you. You’ll love how easy it is to bake a tender, flavorful loaf that’s ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for moisture and flavor. Use very ripe, spotty bananas for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your simple cake recipe. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if preferred.
- Walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to substitute with pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Contributes to the moist texture and deep flavor. Granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, but brown sugar is recommended.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Tools Needed: Loaf pan (8.5×4.5 inches or 9×5 inches), mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple cake recipe starts with good preparation.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set this mixture aside. This ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Your wet ingredients are now ready.
4. Add Bananas
Gently fold the mashed ripe bananas into the wet ingredients. Don’t worry about perfect smoothness; a few lumps are fine and add texture to this simple cake recipe. This is where most of the moisture comes from.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet banana mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your loaf tough. Overmixing is a common mistake when making simple cake recipes.
6. Fold in Walnuts
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds a delightful crunch to your banana walnut loaf.
7. Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it while warm is tempting, but cooling helps it set. Now you can enjoy your delicious simple cake recipe!
Variation Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Loaf: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts.
- Cranberry Orange Loaf: Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Spiced Loaf: Increase cinnamon to 1.5 teaspoons and add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Streusel Topping: Combine 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Crumble over the top before baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Moist Banana Walnut Loaf at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in foil; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this simple cake recipe?
A: Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: Why are ripe bananas important?
A: Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, providing more moisture and flavor to your loaf.
Q: How do I prevent the loaf from sinking in the middle?
A: Ensure your baking soda is fresh and avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking.
Q: Can I make this a gluten-free simple cake recipe?
A: Absolutely, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: My loaf is browning too quickly on top. What should I do?
A: Loosely tent the top of the loaf with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: You can reduce it slightly, but too much reduction can affect the moisture and texture.