Vegan Banana Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Banana cake is a classic recipe found in many cuisines. The vegan version, though more recent, is growing in popularity due to the increasing interest in plant-based eating and dairy-free diets. The banana, used to naturally sweeten the cake, replaces eggs and butter while providing a moist texture.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 200 g of flour (white or whole wheat)
• 100 g of cane sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (to replace eggs)
• 200 ml of almond milk or soy milk
• 60 ml of melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the chia seeds: Mix the chia seeds or ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a gel-like mixture, which will act as an egg substitute.
3. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and the chia seed mixture. Mix well.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For an even softer texture, add a handful of pecans or shredded coconut to the batter.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a frosting made from soy yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy finish.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, feel free to increase the sugar amount to your liking.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Replace the bananas with grated zucchini for a lighter, more moist version.
• Add vegan chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
• If you’re allergic to nuts, substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Bake Time 🔥

Bake the Vegan Banana Cake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures that the cake is evenly cooked and perfectly moist. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas infuses the cake with a delightful flavor, while the absence of eggs and dairy makes it a suitable option for those following a plant-based diet.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This vegan banana cake pairs well with a light green tea or black coffee. It can also be enjoyed with a tropical fruit smoothie to enhance the fruity flavors.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the Vegan Banana Cake sliced, accompanied by fresh fruits such as banana slices or berries. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

This Vegan Banana Cake is naturally sweetened with bananas, which helps reduce the need for added sugar. Additionally, the absence of eggs and dairy makes it more digestible and suitable for individuals with food intolerances.