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Potluck Banana Cake

Potluck Banana Cake: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight

Welcome to the world of irresistibly moist and flavorful Potluck Banana Cake! Whether you’re attending a gathering, hosting a potluck, or simply craving a delightful treat, this recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. Bursting with the sweet essence of ripe bananas and topped with a luscious coffee-infused frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address some common queries about this delectable dessert:

Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? A: Yes, you can! Simply thaw the frozen bananas and mash them before adding them to the batter. Frozen bananas tend to release more moisture, resulting in an even more moist and flavorful cake.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: Can I omit the coffee granules from the frosting? A: While the coffee adds a delightful depth of flavor to the frosting, you can omit it if you prefer a classic vanilla frosting. Alternatively, you can substitute it with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio for a gluten-free version of this cake.

Now, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this delightful baking adventure.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 medium)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

  • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix Batter

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas and Greek yogurt, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Bake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Prepare the Frosting

  • In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in 1 tablespoon of warm water.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  • Add the dissolved coffee mixture to the frosting and mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

8. Frost the Cake

  • Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
  • For an added touch, garnish with sliced bananas or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • Feel free to customize the frosting by adding a splash of rum or bourbon for a boozy twist.
  • If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolate-banana combination.

Keto Version:

  • To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia for the granulated and brown sugars. Additionally, use a keto-friendly frosting recipe using ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered erythritol.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Follow the keto version substitutions mentioned above, but you can also reduce the amount of mashed bananas and Greek yogurt to decrease the carb content.

In conclusion, this Potluck Banana Cake is the epitome of comfort and indulgence. With its moist crumb, irresistible banana flavor, and heavenly coffee-infused frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to yield delicious results every time.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this sensational dessert. From potlucks to family gatherings, this cake is destined to become a cherished favorite among friends and loved ones. Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself to a slice of pure happiness with this delectable Potluck Banana Cake. Enjoy!