Easy Banana Cake Recipe – Using Built-in Oven

On the kitchen counter there are overly ripe bananas. You're conflicted about discarding them, yet unsure if there's anything helpful you can do with them.

 In many Indian households, there's this silent taboo about food wastage, especially fruits like bananas. Our mothers and grandmothers mastered the art of turning everything into something delicious, and if there’s one legacy worth continuing, it’s the humble banana cake.

Banana cake actually originated as a means to avoid wasting overripe bananas during the Great Depression. Decades later, it's not just a resourceful idea but a comforting slice of joy. You don't need to be a baking expert or have fancy equipment. All you need is a good recipe, basic kitchen tools, and a built-in oven preferably one that maintains consistent heat for perfect baking.

Why Banana Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Book

Credits: Canva

• No Added Sugar Required: Bananas are nature’s sweeteners. When using bananas, there is no need to add more sugar which makes the cake healthier without losing flavor.  

• Multi-Purpose Use: The cake blends excellently with tea or coffee, makes for a delicious child's snack, and can even be used as a breakfast treat.

• Waste-No-More: It’s the best way to use up bananas that have turned mushy and brown.
  

• Moist and Soft: Unlike some cakes that dry out quickly, banana cake stays moist thanks to the fruit’s natural moisture.
  
• Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need a mixer or special skills , just some patience and a good oven.

Ingredients 

• 3 large ripe bananas (the more brown spots, the better!)
• 1 cup of sugar (you can reduce it to ¾ cup if your bananas are very sweet)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup of oil (vegetable or sunflower oil works best)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
• 1½ cups of all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture

Prepping Your Built-in Oven

Credits: Glen India

A lot of people underestimate the importance of preheating the oven. If your cake never rises properly, chances are the oven wasn’t hot enough when the batter went in.

• Turn on your built-in oven and set it to 180°C (around 350°F).
  
  

• Allow it to preheat for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you pop in your cake. This ensures even temperature throughout the baking process.
  
  
• Use the middle rack for baking the banana cake. It gives you that even browning and rise.
  

Step-by-Step Method to Make Banana Cake

Now let’s bring it all together ; mixing and baking

1. Mash the Bananas

Peel the ripe bananas and mash them well using a fork or a potato masher. You don’t need to puree it , a few chunks are absolutely fine and actually enhance the texture of the cake.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla essence. Whisk everything until it looks smooth and well blended. You can do this with a hand whisk or even a spoon.

3. Sift and Add Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold it gently using a spatula. Do not over-mix , that’s one of the common mistakes that leads to a dense cake.

5. Add Optional Goodies

If you're adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. This adds a delightful crunch or gooeyness, depending on what you choose.

6. Prepare the Baking Tin

Credits: Canva

Grease a 7- or 8-inch round cake tin with oil or butter and line it with parchment paper (or dust it with flour if you don’t have parchment paper).

7. Pour and Tap

Pour the batter into the prepared tin and gently tap it on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

8. Bake

Place the tin in the preheated built-in oven on the middle rack. Bake at 180°C for 30 to 35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the cake sit in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing, the flavors mature as it cools.

Tips for the Best Banana Cake Every Time

• Use room temperature ingredients. Cold eggs or oil can affect the texture.
• For extra softness, you can substitute half the oil with Greek yogurt or curd.
• If your bananas are not ripe enough, bake them in the oven for 10 minutes at 150°C. The skin will turn black, and the inside will become soft and sweet.
• Avoid opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking. It can cause the cake to collapse.
• Want to make it fancier? Drizzle with some melted chocolate or cream cheese frosting once the cake cools.

Banana Cake Variations to Try

Credits: Freepik

You can have some fun with flavors:

• Banana-Walnut Cake: Add toasted walnuts and a pinch of cinnamon.

• Choco-Banana Cake: Stir in cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

• Vegan Banana Cake: Replace eggs with flaxseed gel or mashed apples, and use almond or coconut milk.
• Whole Wheat Banana Cake: Swap maida with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Each version brings its own unique taste, but the comfort and warmth stay the same.

Serving Ideas That Make It a Star

Banana cake may seem like a simple home treat, but how you serve it can turn it into a standout moment.

• For breakfast: Serve with a smear of peanut butter and a side of hot coffee.
• For tea-time: Dust with powdered sugar and pair it with masala chai.
• For dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel syrup.
• For celebrations: Top with whipped cream and decorate with banana slices and nuts.

Conclusion

Baking banana cake goes beyond simply trying to make use of old bananas; it showcases how life’s seemingly mundane occurrences can serve as an inspiration. It says a lot about using basic ingredients to create something worthwhile. By simply mixing and pouring in love, with an oven doing the bulk of the work, the cake practically bakes itself.

Consider those bananas which are in danger of rotting. Don't throw them away. Bake a delicious cake instead! Whether enjoyed with the family, in the company of some tea, or even snuck away into quiet midnight nibbling sessions, the cake is guilt-free and surely will brighten spirits. 

For a countertop that blends beauty with efficiency, look no further than Glen India. Their ovens offer precise baking, timeliness, and enhance the user’s cooking experience, all while ensuring that the counters maintain their elegance.