Alright, my people! Gather ’round, because today we’re whipping up something truly special: a Whole Wheat Banana Cake with Walnuts that’ll make your taste buds sing! This isn’t your grandma’s boring banana bread, oh no! We’re talking moist, flavorful goodness with a delightful crunch. Trust me on this one.
What You’ll Need (Our Kitchen Arsenal)
- A couple of mixing bowls (one big, one medium)
- A trusty whisk or a sturdy fork
- A rubber spatula – your best friend for scraping!
- A loaf pan (about 9×5 inches)
- Measuring cups and spoons (gotta be precise, you know?)
- A fork for mashing those bananas
- Parchment paper (makes life SO much easier)
The Star Players (Ingredients List)
- About 3 super ripe bananas (the spottier, the sweeter, capiche?)
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted (makes everything richer)
- ¾ cup of brown sugar (for that lovely caramel-y touch)
- 1 large egg (the binder that holds it all together)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (a little magic in a bottle)
- 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour (hello, fiber!)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (for that beautiful rise)
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (warmth and spice, nice!)
- A pinch of salt (enhances all the flavors, trust me)
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts (for that satisfying crunch)
Let’s Get This Baking Party Started! (Preparation – Step by Step)
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Alright, first things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This will make taking the cake out a breeze later.
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Now, in that big mixing bowl, let’s mash those ripe bananas with a fork until they’re nice and mushy. Don’t worry about a few little lumps; it adds character!
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Pour in the melted butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Whisk them together until everything is well combined and looking smooth.
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Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Whisk again until it’s all incorporated. You’re doing great!
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In the medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with your spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, okay? Overmixing can make the cake tough, and nobody wants that.
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Fold in those lovely chopped walnuts. Make sure they’re distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
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Pop that baby into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. How do you know it’s ready? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it, ovens can be a bit temperamental!
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Once it’s golden brown and passes the toothpick test, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and devouring.
The Grand Finale (Recipe Details)
- Preparation Time: About 20 minutes (not bad, right?)
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes (patience is a virtue, my friends!)
- Yield: 1 loaf (perfect for sharing… or not!)
- Difficulty: Easy peasy! (You got this!)
Look, guys, this whole wheat banana cake is seriously a winner. It’s got that comforting banana flavor, the nutty crunch of walnuts, and it’s made with whole wheat flour, so you can even feel a little bit virtuous while you’re enjoying it. Don’t forget to write this recipe down – you’ll want to make it again and again! Enjoy!