Bananenkuchen, or German Banana Cake, is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting warmth of a freshly baked cake. This recipe is a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop, adding a burst of flavor and moisture to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or a sweet treat to share with friends and family, this Bananenkuchen recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
**Bananenkuchen**
**Ingredients:**
– 3 ripe bananas
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the mashed bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
This Bananenkuchen is best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The natural sweetness of the bananas paired with the moist, tender crumb of the cake makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize your Bananenkuchen by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Get creative with your presentation by dusting the cake with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top it with fresh slices of banana or a handful of toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
Whether you’re baking this Bananenkuchen for a special celebration or simply as a way to use up those ripe bananas, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone who tries it. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this German-inspired cake and savor each bite of this delicious dessert.
