Banana Cream Cake

Introduction

History

The Banana Cream Cake has its roots in the early 20th century, when bananas became widely available in the United States and quickly gained popularity as a versatile and delicious ingredient for baking. The recipe has evolved over the years, incorporating various techniques and ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture. Today, it stands as a beloved classic in many households, cherished for its rich history and timeless appeal.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Banana Cream Cake turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.

- Cream the shortening and sugar thoroughly to create a light and fluffy base.

- Sift the flour and baking powder together to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.

- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and chopped pecans to maintain the batter's airiness.

- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Banana Cream Cake slightly warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes the creaming method, where shortening and sugar are beaten together until light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a soft, tender cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor.

- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

- Substitute all-purpose gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Make Ahead Tips

The Banana Cream Cake can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it is tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, serve the cake on a decorative cake stand and garnish with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Pairing Recommendations

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a dessert wine pairing, consider a sweet Riesling or a Moscato, which will complement the cake's sweetness and banana flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Banana Cream Cake contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a relatively indulgent treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Banana Cream Cake contains approximately 58 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar and flour used in the recipe, providing the cake with its sweet taste and tender crumb.

Fats

Each serving of this cake contains about 18 grams of fat, primarily from the shortening and eggs. The inclusion of pecans also contributes healthy unsaturated fats to the mix.

Proteins

The Banana Cream Cake offers around 4 grams of protein per serving, sourced from the eggs and milk in the recipe. While not a high-protein food, it does contribute to the overall nutritional profile of the cake.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. While the cake itself is not a significant source of nutrients, the bananas do contribute to its nutritional value.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and nuts (pecans). It is also not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities due to the flour.

Summary

Overall, the Banana Cream Cake is a delicious dessert that should be enjoyed as an occasional treat. While it provides some nutritional benefits from the bananas and nuts, it is also high in sugars and fats.

Summary

The Banana Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana and cream in a soft, moist cake. With its rich history and versatile recipe variations, it's a wonderful treat for any occasion. By following the tips and tricks provided, you can create a delicious cake that's sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Banana Cream Cake. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived down the street from me. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious baking skills, and I always looked forward to spending time in her cozy kitchen.

As I walked into her house, I was immediately greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked banana bread. Mrs. Jenkins welcomed me with a warm smile and offered me a slice of her famous treat. It was moist, flavorful, and had the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe.

With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Jenkins led me to her recipe book, which was filled with handwritten notes and clippings from magazines and newspapers. She flipped through the pages and finally landed on the recipe for Banana Cream Cake. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that this recipe was passed down to her by her own grandmother, who was a renowned baker in their small town. She shared how her grandmother used to bake this cake for special occasions and family gatherings, and it was always a hit with everyone who tasted it.

I was eager to learn how to make this delectable dessert, and Mrs. Jenkins graciously offered to teach me. We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, measuring out ingredients, mixing batter, and assembling the cake layers. Mrs. Jenkins patiently guided me through each step, sharing tips and tricks that she had learned over the years.

The cake came out of the oven golden brown and smelling heavenly. As we let it cool, Mrs. Jenkins whipped up a luscious banana cream filling to sandwich between the layers. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy banana filling was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived – we cut into the cake and savored the first bite. It was pure bliss. The banana flavor was rich and ripe, the cake was moist and tender, and the cream filling added a luxurious touch. Mrs. Jenkins beamed with pride as I raved about how delicious the cake was.

From that day on, Banana Cream Cake became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, and it never failed to impress. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were equally enthralled by its irresistible flavor and texture.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding a hint of cinnamon to the cake batter and a splash of rum to the cream filling. These small changes have elevated the cake to a whole new level of decadence, making it even more irresistible.

As I bake this Banana Cream Cake today, I am reminded of the special bond I shared with Mrs. Jenkins and the joy of learning from her. Her generosity, patience, and passion for baking have inspired me to continue exploring new recipes and sharing them with others.

I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking and baking. And I am proud to pass on this treasured recipe for Banana Cream Cake to future generations, in the hope that it will bring them as much happiness and delight as it has brought me.

So here's to Mrs. Jenkins, her grandmother, and all the wonderful bakers who have shared their recipes and knowledge with me. May their legacy live on in every bite of this delicious cake.

Categories

| American Recipes | Banana Recipes | Cake Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Pecan Recipes |

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