Introduction
There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from a beautifully baked Banana Bread Snack Cake. This delightful treat merges the moist, rich flavors of ripe bananas with the cozy sweetness of sugar, creating a snack cake that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven with a pat of butter or as an afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite beverage, this cake is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it the ideal recipe for both novice and seasoned bakers alike!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it’s ready to welcome your delicious creation.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and positively inviting.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a harmonious blend.
- Gently stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, letting their sweet aroma fill the kitchen.
- Mix in the sour cream until the batter achieves a smooth, silky texture that’s irresistible.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, blending the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding them together until they’re just combined. Remember, a little lumpiness is perfectly okay; overmixing can make the cake dense!
- If you’re feeling nutty, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and delightful flavor.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating perfect doneness.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain its moistness!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits to the batter. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain yogurt works as a fantastic substitute. To enhance the nutty flavor, toast the walnuts or pecans before adding them to the batter — this small step can elevate your cake to new heights!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugar, using room temperature ingredients ensures better incorporation, resulting in a lighter cake. Be gentle when mixing in the dry ingredients; this preserves the cake’s tender crumb. Allowing the cake to cool for a short time in the pan will help prevent it from breaking apart when you transfer it to the wire rack.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Absolutely! Just bake it in a larger pan and extend the baking time by a few minutes, checking for doneness.
Conclusion
This Banana Bread Snack Cake is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in cake form! Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or savoring all to yourself, it brings a bit of homemade sweetness to any occasion. So grab your ingredients, and let’s create some delicious memories together in the kitchen. Enjoy each and every bite!