Banana Pound Cake
Moist, buttery, and infused with the natural sweetness of bananas and dates, this Banana Pound Cake is the ultimate treat for casual gatherings or a comforting dessert at home. It’s made in a unique way—starting in a saucepan—which helps intensify the flavor and ensures a rich, velvety crumb. Serve it as-is or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
- 225 grams (8 oz) unsalted butter
- 225 grams (1 cup or 8 oz) granulated sugar
- 3 to 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 10 dates, finely chopped
- 225 grams (8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, separated
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9-inch round cake tin or a standard loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped dates until well combined.
- Add the flour to the saucepan, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Once the mixture is warm (not hot), whisk in the egg yolks one at a time until fully blended.
- In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the banana mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until the batter is smooth and airy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- You can store it at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days—or refrigerate for up to a week.
This Banana Pound Cake is perfect for picnics, tea time, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. It’s warm, moist, and bursting with natural fruit flavors—definitely one to keep in your baking rotation.