The “Golden Topped Banana, Seed, and Walnut Cake” is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of seeds and the earthy flavor of walnuts. It’s a popular treat among those who appreciate both the rich flavors and healthful ingredients. Let’s dive into the details:
History:
The history of this specific cake isn’t widely documented, but it belongs to the broader tradition of banana cakes and bread. Banana cakes gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century when bananas became more readily available. The addition of seeds and walnuts is a modern twist, adding texture and nutritional value to the classic banana cake.
Components:
- Ripe Bananas: You’ll need 3-4 ripe bananas for this cake. They should be mashed to provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: About 1.5 cups of flour form the base of the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness.
- Eggs: Typically, 2 large eggs are used as binders.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup of softened butter adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Walnuts: Chopped walnuts (around 1/2 cup) provide a nutty crunch.
- Seeds: A mixture of seeds (like chia seeds, flax seeds, and sunflower seeds) adds texture and a touch of healthiness.
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup of plain yogurt adds moisture and a bit of tang.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan (usually 9×5 inches).
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Mash Bananas: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Mix in Bananas: Gently fold the mashed bananas into the mixture.
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Alternate Dry Ingredients and Yogurt: Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture and the yogurt, alternating between them, and mixing until just combined.
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Add Walnuts and Seeds: Fold in the chopped walnuts and seeds.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can slice and serve.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare this cake, including preparation and baking, is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This can vary slightly based on your baking experience and equipment.
This Golden Topped Banana, Seed, and Walnut Cake is a delightful and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Whether you’re a recipes collector, food and beverage enthusiast, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to bring smiles with its golden, nutty top and rich banana flavor.
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for the “Golden Topped Banana, Seed, and Walnut Cake.” Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Total Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
- Cholesterol: About 45-50 milligrams
- Sodium: Around 200-250 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 32-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 15-18 grams
- Protein: 4-5 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calorie Content: This cake is moderately calorie-dense, making it suitable as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
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Healthy Fats: It contains a moderate amount of fats, primarily from sources like walnuts and butter. Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
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Protein: While not a significant source of protein, this cake does provide some, which can help with satiety.
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Fiber: The cake contains a small amount of dietary fiber, thanks to the bananas and possibly some whole-grain ingredients. Fiber supports digestive health.
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Added Sugars: The cake’s sweetness primarily comes from ripe bananas and sugar. Be mindful of added sugars in the recipe, as excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues if consumed regularly.
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Calcium and Other Minerals: Depending on the ingredients used, this cake may provide small amounts of minerals like calcium and potassium.
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Vitamins: The cake may contain trace amounts of vitamins, mainly from the bananas and any enriched flour used in the recipe.
Health Tips:
- Enjoy this cake in moderation as an occasional dessert or treat.
- If you’re looking to make it healthier, consider reducing the sugar content or using natural sweeteners.
- The walnuts and seeds add nutritional value, so feel free to add extra if you want to boost the cake’s health benefits.
While this cake may not be considered a health food, it can be a delicious and satisfying treat when enjoyed in moderation. It’s always a good idea to balance indulgent desserts with a well-rounded and nutritious diet for overall health and well-being.
