Banana Cake with Sliced Bananas

Introduction:

This Banana Cake with Sliced Bananas on Top is a delightful twist on the classic banana cake, featuring ripe bananas both in the batter and beautifully arranged on top. The cake is moist, flavorful, and simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for banana lovers. The top layer of sliced bananas caramelizes during baking, adding a rich, sweet flavor that complements the soft, tender crumb of the cake.

Ingredients:

• 3 large ripe bananas (for mashing)
• 2 large ripe bananas (for slicing and topping)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (100g)
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (360ml)
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a similar-sized round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Bananas: Mash 3 large bananas in a bowl until smooth. Set aside. Slice the remaining 2 bananas lengthwise for topping and set them aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar on high speed until creamy and light, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the mashed bananas and mix on medium speed until combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
7. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the batter.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Conclusion:

This Banana Cake with Sliced Bananas on Top is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The combination of mashed bananas in the batter and sliced bananas on top creates a rich banana flavor throughout the cake, while the caramelized bananas on top add an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Perfect for a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress both in taste and appearance.