Delia Smith’s Banana Cake is a classic recipe that’s both comforting and delicious. This moist, flavorful cake is packed with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of warm spices. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, making it a great treat for any time of the day. Simple to prepare, this banana cake is a great way to use up overripe bananas and create something truly delightful.
What is Delia Smith’s Banana Cake Recipe?
Delia Smith’s Banana Cake is a moist and tender cake made with ripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and a rich, fruity flavor. The cake is spiced with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and it’s perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Moist and Fluffy: The bananas keep the cake moist and tender, making it soft and fluffy.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Great for Leftover Bananas: A perfect way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of bananas with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives the cake a warm, comforting flavor.
- Delia Smith’s Signature Touch: Known for her reliable and delicious recipes, Delia Smith’s banana cake is a must-try.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Banana Cake
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- 900g (2lb) loaf tin
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Banana Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a 900g (2lb) loaf tin and line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.
- Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Mix the Batter: Add the mashed bananas to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Fold in the dry ingredients gently, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour into the Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Banana Cake?
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for extra richness.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter topping.
- Butter: A simple spread of butter on a slice of banana cake is a classic pairing.
- Fresh Berries: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on the side for a burst of freshness.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the top before baking for added crunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Banana Cake
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.
- Add Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Banana Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cake: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Banana Walnut Cake: Add chopped walnuts to the batter for a nutty flavor and extra texture.
- Banana and Honey Cake: Drizzle honey over the top of the cake before baking for added sweetness.
- Banana and Blueberry Cake: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity variation.
- Gluten-Free Banana Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of self-raising flour for a gluten-free version.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Banana Cake
- Store at Room Temperature: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake, but bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Future Use: Wrap the cake in cling film and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Banana Cake
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Place slices of banana cake on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm the cake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Place a slice of banana cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the cake moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, or until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake rubbery.
- Room Temperature: If the cake has been refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This method preserves the cake’s texture without the need for reheating.
- Toaster Oven: If you prefer a slight crispiness, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven at a low temperature (150°C/300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid over-browning.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Banana Cake Healthier?
- Reduce Sugar: Lower the sugar content by 20% for a less sweet cake.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the self-raising flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Add Greek Yogurt: Replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add protein.
- Use Honey Instead of Sugar: Swap the caster sugar for honey to add natural sweetness.
- Add Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate nuts or seeds into the batter for extra nutrients and texture.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
FAQs
Can I freeze Delia Smith’s Banana Cake?
Yes, Delia Smith Banana Cake can be frozen. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in cling film and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
How do I keep the banana cake moist?
To keep the banana cake moist, ensure the bananas used are overripe, as they add extra moisture to the cake. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense texture. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent it from drying out.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used instead of self-raising flour in banana cake. However, the texture may be slightly denser. To maintain a similar texture, you can use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder per cup of flour.
What can I add to banana cake for extra flavor?
For extra flavor in banana cake, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or a teaspoon of cinnamon. You can also swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella before baking for a delicious twist.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Banana Cake is a classic recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and create something special. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, this banana cake is sure to please. Try this recipe and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of banana and spice in every slice!
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Delia Smith Banana Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Banana Cake is a moist and tender cake made with ripe bananas, which provide natural sweetness and a rich, fruity flavor. The cake is spiced with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, and it’s perfect for serving as a snack or dessert. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a 900g (2lb) loaf tin and line it with parchment paper.
-
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
-
Add the Eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.
-
Mash the Bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
-
Mix the Batter: Add the mashed bananas to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Fold in the dry ingredients gently, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Pour into the Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
-
Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
