Lenny'S Favorite Banana Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, banana-flavored cake with a tender crumb, perfect for banana lovers and suitable for casual gatherings or teatime treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mashed bananas
  • 3/4 cup sour milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar; add egg and egg yolk.
  2. Add sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add mashed bananas, sour milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  5. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have sour milk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. Ensure your bananas are well-mashed for a smoother batter. To add a twist, you can incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate chips. This cake is also delicious with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lenny's Favorite Banana Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Honey-Barbecued Spareribs for a casual dinner or alongside a cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon snack. Consider adding fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to five days. For reheating, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat. The flavors often deepen after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lenny'S Favorite Banana Cake contains roughly 224 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

224 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 47.6g 17% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1116.6mg 49% DV
Potassium 180.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 30.5mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 157.4mg 12% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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

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. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake. Keeping an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking is essential.

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).

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