Kato’s Easy Banana Cake: A Delightful Dessert Recipe
This delicious and moist Kato’s Easy Banana Cake is the perfect solution for using up those leftover black bananas that tend to linger on your countertop. With its sweet banana flavor and satisfying texture, this cake has been a family favorite for over 12 years, and it’s easy to see why! You can even use the little tiny bananas, which pack an intense flavor that elevates this dessert to a whole new level. Whether you’re in a rush or just want to enjoy a delectable treat, this recipe allows you to freeze ripe bananas specifically for this cake, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Recipe Overview
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 10 minutes | 12 | Dessert |
Description
Kato’s Easy Banana Cake is a delightful dessert that transforms those overripe bananas into a sweet and satisfying treat. Ideal for gatherings or simply as a sweet indulgence after a meal, this recipe can also be adapted to make fantastic cupcakes that freeze beautifully for later enjoyment. Whether served warm with a dusting of icing sugar or adorned with your favorite frosting, this cake is sure to please.
Ingredients
Here is a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ripe Bananas | 2 (mashed) |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information
This cake not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also provides nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown of the calories and key nutritional components per serving:
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 254.1 |
| Total Fat | 9.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 53.5 mg |
| Sodium | 271.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 19.9 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your very own Kato’s Easy Banana Cake:
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it’s at the perfect temperature for baking.
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Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter until it’s light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
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Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the creamed butter, continuing to beat until well combined. Then, add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
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Incorporate Bananas and Walnuts: Mix in 2 mashed bananas, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The bananas should be well incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the mixture.
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Prepare Sour Milk: In a separate small bowl, prepare the sour milk by stirring 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes; this will create a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures that your cake will rise nicely.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour milk. Start with a portion of the flour mixture, mix gently, then add some of the sour milk, and continue until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
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Pour and Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a 9 x 12-inch baking pan that has been greased and floured, ensuring an even distribution for a uniform bake.
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Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the cake is firm in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean when the cake is done.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Optional Toppings: This cake is delightful on its own, but for an added touch, you can sprinkle a bit of icing sugar on top while it’s still warm, or you might choose to frost it with vanilla or chocolate buttercream for a richer dessert experience.
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Making Cupcakes: If you prefer cupcakes, simply pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
Kato’s Easy Banana Cake is not just a way to reduce food waste; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will surely become a favorite in your household as it has in ours. Whether served at a family gathering, a casual afternoon snack, or even as a delightful treat with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, this recipe is versatile and undeniably delicious. Enjoy the process of baking and, most importantly, savor the end result!
