Fantastic Banana Fruitcake Recipe 🍌🍰

Description:

Indulge in the exquisite moistness and delightful flavors of this Fantastic Banana Fruitcake! Infused with the natural sweetness of pureed bananas and the tangy goodness of pineapple, this fruitcake is the epitome of heavenly desserts. Perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive Christmas season, this cake promises to impress with its rich texture and aromatic spices. Plus, it freezes well, making it a convenient treat to have on hand whenever cravings strike!

Key Details:

Cook Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Servings: 2 9×5 inch loaf cakes
Calories: 3237 per serving
Rating: 4 stars
Review Count: 1 review

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts
3 cups dates
2 cups crushed pineapple (well drained)
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups ripe bananas (pureed)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two 9″ x 5″ loaf pans or 8 mini loaf pans by greasing them lightly.
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Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the walnuts, dates, and crushed pineapple. Dredge the mixture with 1/4 cup of flour to ensure even distribution.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside for later use.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the butter until soft. Add the brown sugar gradually, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add Flavorings: Mix in the orange rind, orange juice, and orange extract for a burst of citrusy flavor. Then, gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple.
Prepare Banana Puree: Mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Be cautious not to over-process them, as this could affect the cake’s texture.
Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the banana puree and the sifted flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Stir until just combined.
Incorporate Fruit Mixture: Gently fold in the floured fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, ensuring they are evenly filled. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cakes are browning too much on top, loosely cover them with foil during the last portion of baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. If baking in mini loaf pans, remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Tips:

For added convenience, this fruitcake can be baked in mini loaf pans. Simply adjust the baking time to ensure even cooking.
To enhance the flavors, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to the batter before baking.
For a festive touch, decorate the cooled cakes with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer shelf life.

Indulge in the delightful flavors and moist texture of this Fantastic Banana Fruitcake! Whether enjoyed as a holiday treat or a sweet indulgence any time of year, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking! 🍌🍰