Banana Pecan Cake
A protein-packed and nutritious dessert made with ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, perfect for any occasion and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 pieces Ripe bananas Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened Contributes richness and moisture.
- 2 pieces Eggs Binds ingredients and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Provides a warm aromatic background note.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour The base that holds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda Acts as a leavening agent.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warmth and depth to the cake.
- 1 cup Toasted pecans, chopped Introduces a rich nutty flavor.
For the Frosting
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened Gives a creamy base to the frosting.
- 2 cups Powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For Garnish
- 1 cup Fresh berries Perfect for topping.
- optional Whipped cream For added indulgence.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, then mix in the softened butter, followed by sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Cooking
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake has a slight golden hue.
Serving
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While cooling, whip the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of the cooled cake.
- Garnish with fresh berries and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. This cake is meal prep friendly.