Banana Nut Spice Cake
A moist and fragrant banana nut spice cake featuring warm cinnamon and cloves, studded with raisins and chopped pecans. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or special occasions, this rich loaf combines ripe bananas with spices and nuts for a comforting, flavorful treat that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour vegetable oil over the mashed bananas and let stand while preparing the cake batter.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the banana mixture and mix well.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, salt) separately and then add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in raisins and chopped pecans thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into 3 greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, use very ripe bananas as they add natural sweetness and moisture. If you don't have pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. You can also use a mix of spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or coconut for a different dimension. This cake can be made ahead of time and freezes well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Banana Nut Spice Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. For additional inspiration, browse more American recipes that use bananas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Banana Nut Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Nut Spice Cake contains roughly 770 calories, with 10g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 920mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
While bananas are essential for this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like applesauce or pureed pumpkin for a different flavor. However, this will alter the texture and moisture content, so adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Banana Nut Spice Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help mimic the structure of wheat flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that baking times may vary based on your oven and the size of the loaf pans used, so check around the 1-hour mark.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).