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As a chef, I’m always on the hunt for new combinations of flavors to surprise the palate, and as a writer, I’m always eager to share those discoveries with you. As such, I am thrilled to recount my latest adventure in the world of confectionery exploration – the Peanut Butter Banana Cake. This is the similar to the banana bread, i have already made last year.

Contents

What is Peanut Butter Banana Cake?

Peanut Butter Banana Cake is, in its simplest form, a delightful confluence of comfort and innovation. It is the love child of a classic banana bread and a smooth peanut butter cookie, married together in the form of a moist, dense, and utterly delectable cake.

The recipe, as the name suggests, incorporates the familiar flavor of ripe bananas with the comforting, nutty creaminess of peanut butter. The two blend together to create an ambrosial treat that’s comforting and satisfying in every bite.

Ingredients For Peanut Butter Banana Cake :

To bring this magnificent Peanut Butter Banana Cake to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bread:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (119ml) vegetable oil
½ cup (133g) peanut butter
2 overripe bananas
2 large eggs
7 tablespoons (105ml) milk (see note)
1 teaspoon (5ml) vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour

For the Glaze (Optional):

3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon maple extract
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (15ml) heavy whipping cream

Ingredient Notes and Variations:

My years of culinary exploration have taught me that each ingredient holds an integral place in a recipe, each one contributing to the symphony of flavors that the final product turns out to be. Here are some of my personal experiences with the ingredients listed above:

Granulated Sugar: I find that granulated sugar lends a beautiful texture to the cake, balancing the sweetness perfectly. You could also use coconut sugar for a healthier variant.

Vegetable Oil: It makes the cake moist and fluffy. You could use olive oil or coconut oil for a healthier option.

Peanut Butter: Opt for a creamy and smooth variety for a better blend. You could experiment with almond butter or cashew butter for a change in taste.

Bananas: The more ripe, the better. Overripe bananas give a natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cake.

Eggs: They are crucial for providing structure and height to the cake. You could substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.

Milk: Use whole milk for a rich texture. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk would work just as well.

Vinegar or Lemon Juice: These help activate the baking soda for a better rise. I personally prefer lemon juice for its subtle hint of freshness.

Baking Soda & Salt: They work together to help the cake rise and balance flavors. Don’t skip these!

All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure. You could use a gluten-free mix if you have dietary restrictions.

For the Glaze: All ingredients work in harmony to create a smooth, sweet, and flavorful coating. You could use a maple or caramel glaze for a twist.

How to Make This Recipe:

Creating the Peanut Butter Banana Cake is a beautiful journey, and I’m excited to guide you through it step-by-step. Let’s break down the process under relevant headings for clarity:

Preparation:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure even baking.

Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This helps to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring a smooth release once baked.

Creating the Base Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, peanut butter, and granulated sugar. (You can also add mashed bananas at this stage or later, which i will describe in the next headings.) Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture. You can also use a wooden spoon or spatula if you prefer a more hands-on approach – no mixer is necessary for this step.

mixing dough for Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Blending the Liquid Ingredients:

Now, we have two paths – one for those with a blender and one for those without.

With a Blender:

Add the bananas, eggs, milk, and baking soda into the blender. Blend until a smooth liquid forms. The beauty of using a blender lies in the homogeneous mixture it creates, enhancing the flavors in the cake.

Without a Blender:

If you don’t have a blender, fear not! Simply mash the bananas using a fork and stir in the milk, eggs, vinegar, and baking soda until well combined. This method imparts a slightly chunky texture to the cake, which many find delightful.

dough ready for making Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Combining and Baking:

Gradually add half of the banana liquid and 1 cup of flour to your peanut butter-oil mixture, stirring until just moistened. Next, incorporate the remaining banana mixture and the final cup of flour, stirring until just combined. Remember, overmixing can lead to a denser cake, so a light hand is key here.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top has browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, albeit with a few crumbs clinging to it. If you notice the top browning too quickly, simply cover the pan with foil.

Creating the Glaze:

While your cake is cooling, it’s time to create the optional but highly recommended glaze. Whisk the melted butter and powdered sugar together. Add the vanilla and maple extracts, whisking until smooth. Lastly, add the heavy whipping cream, and whisk until smooth.

Finishing Touches:

Once your cake has cooled completely, pour the glaze over the top, spreading it to the edges. Let it dry before cutting.

Spreading glaze over Peanut Butter Banana Cake

Serving Instructions:

This luscious Peanut Butter Banana Cake is best served at room temperature. You can enjoy it as is or complement it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Remember, the cake, once glazed, should be allowed to sit until the glaze hardens slightly – this ensures a neat slice.

This cake also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, this Peanut Butter Banana Cake is bound to fill your home with smiles and satisfied sighs.

Storage and Freezing Instructions:

Storing and freezing this Peanut Butter Banana Cake is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to ensure you can enjoy this delightful treat for days to come:

Storage:

Once the cake has fully cooled and the glaze has set, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. When stored properly, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Remember, it’s essential to seal the cake well to keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the kitchen.

Freezing:

Yes, this cake can be frozen, making it perfect for meal prepping or surprise guests.

Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing, as this prevents condensation from forming, which could result in a soggy cake.
If you’ve opted to glaze the cake, allow the glaze to harden before proceeding with the freezing process.
Wrap the cake tightly in a couple of layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This ensures that your cake is well-protected from freezer burn.
You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make This Recipe:

Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve gathered over the years to perfect this Peanut Butter Banana Cake:

Choose the right bananas: Overripe bananas are best for this recipe. They’re sweeter and lend a moist, dense texture to the cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
Check the cake regularly: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake around the 40-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Cool before glazing: Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing to avoid the glaze melting off.
Customize: Feel free to add in some extras! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a lovely twist to the cake.

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5 from 5 votes