Grandma Wheeler'S Banana Cake
Grandma Wheeler's Banana Cake is a moist, flavorful treat blending ripe bananas, nuts, and a hint of vanilla. Its tender crumb and nutty crunch make it perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea, offering a nostalgic taste of homemade comfort with each slice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangle baking pan.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and soda.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mash the bananas and fold them into the batter along with the nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, use half the amount of butter and replace it with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with chocolate chips for added sweetness. To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This cake can also be made as cupcakes; just adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Wheeler's Banana Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Dream Salad as a fresh side. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. Consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover banana cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Wheeler'S Banana Cake contains roughly 609 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1161mg per serving (50% 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 frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will ensure the right consistency in your cake, and the bananas will still provide great flavor and moisture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To create a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture. You may need to adjust the liquid content slightly, so keep an eye on the batter's consistency while mixing.
What can I do if my bananas aren't very ripe?
If your bananas aren't ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. Alternatively, you can bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black; let them cool before mashing.
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).