Banana Cake Recipe: Based on NeemTime research
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – 684 calories
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – negligible calories
1/4 teaspoon salt – negligible calories
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – negligible calories
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 800 calories
1 cup granulated sugar – 774 calories
2 large eggs – 140 calories
2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed) – 200 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 12 calories
1/4 cup whole milk – 40 calories
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened – 400 calories
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – 400 calories
2 cups powdered sugar – 960 calories
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 12 calories
Total Calories for the Cake and Frosting:
3,662 calories (for the entire cake including frosting)
Calories per serving (for 4 servings): 915 calories per slice
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease and Flour the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick. (No calories added in this step)
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine Flour and Baking Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside. (684 calories from flour)
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). (800 calories from butter and 774 calories from sugar)
4. Add Eggs and Bananas
Add Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. (140 calories from eggs)
Add Mashed Bananas: Mash 2 ripe bananas (about 1 cup) and fold them into the batter. (200 calories from bananas)
5. Add Vanilla and Milk
Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (12 calories from vanilla)
Add Milk: Add 1/4 cup whole milk to the mixture and stir until smooth. (40 calories from milk)
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently with a spatula until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
7. Bake the Cake
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (No calories added in this step)
8. Cool the Cake
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. (No calories added in this step)
9. Prepare the Frosting
Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, beat 4 ounces cream cheese and 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. (400 calories from cream cheese and 400 calories from butter)
Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. (960 calories from powdered sugar and 12 calories from vanilla)
10. Frost the Cake
Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top of the cake. You can also frost the sides if desired. (Total frosting calories: 1,372)
Total Calories Per Slice:
Total Calories for the Cake and Frosting: 3,662 calories
Calories Per Serving (for 4 servings): Approximately 915 calories per slice
This Banana Cake is rich, moist, and perfectly complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a great dessert for any occasion, and the banana flavor gives it a lovely twist. Enjoy!