Grandma Gaither'S Banana Nut Cake
A moist, flavorful banana nut cake featuring ripe bananas and crunchy pecans, perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time.
- Add soda, buttermilk, and vanilla; beat well.
- Add flour and continue beating for 4 minutes.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using half butter and half shortening. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor. For added texture, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts along with the bananas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delicious Banana Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside Scrumptious Pancakes for a brunch gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Banana Nut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Gaither'S Banana Nut Cake contains roughly 870 calories, with 11g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mashing to reduce excess moisture. This will ensure your cake maintains the right texture and flavor.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Grandma Gaither's Banana Nut Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of the cake. Fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the mashed bananas for a delicious chocolatey twist.
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).