Grandma Linda'S Cake
Grandma Linda's Cake boasts a moist, flavorful combination of bananas, pineapple, and warm spices, making it perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups mashed ripe bananas ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- Powdered sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and cloves; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with electric beaters on medium speed for 30 seconds.
- Add eggs, mashed bananas, undrained crushed pineapple, and vanilla; beat until combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Beat on low speed until mixed; then beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Spread batter in a well greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 70 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely.
- Optional: sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure your bananas are very ripe; the riper, the better! If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can make a great substitute. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon alongside the nutmeg. If you prefer a spicier profile, a pinch of ginger can elevate the taste. Always check the doneness of the cake with a toothpick, as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with Easy Fresh Peach Cobbler for a summer dessert spread or alongside a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. Consider garnishing with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Linda'S Cake contains roughly 463 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g 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 other fruits instead of bananas?
Yes, you can substitute mashed applesauce or even finely grated zucchini for a different flavor profile. If using applesauce, reduce the sugar slightly since it's naturally sweet. Just ensure that the consistency matches that of the mashed bananas to maintain the cake's texture.
How can I make this cake healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Additionally, consider using applesauce instead of some of the butter or margarine for moisture without the added fat. Reducing the sugar by a third can also help without compromising the cake's flavor.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake is often caused by underbaking or too much leavening agent. Ensure your baking soda is fresh, and always use the toothpick test to check for doneness. If the cake sinks, it may still taste great — just serve it with whipped cream or a fruit topping to mask the appearance.
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).