Librarian's Delight Banana Nut Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Librarian's Delight Banana Nut Cake, a charming recipe passed down from our beloved school librarian. This moist and aromatic cake, enriched with overripe bananas and crunchy nuts, is a perfect blend of sweetness and nutrition. With the added richness of chocolate chips, it serves as a wholesome after-school snack, loved by both kids and adults alike. Enjoy this guilt-free treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas, the heartiness of oats, and the decadence of chocolate in every slice. Perfect for gatherings or simply as a delicious dessert to brighten your day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Mashed overripe bananas
3 cups (About 5-6 bananas, mashed)
Eggs
4 (Or equivalent egg substitute)
Oil
1/2 cup (Vegetable or canola oil)
Applesauce
1 cup (Unsweetened)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Pure vanilla extract)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Quick oats
1 cup (Uncooked)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Fine sea salt)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (Bicarbonate of soda)
Nuts
1 cup (Chopped (optional))
Chocolate chips
1 cup (Semisweet or dark chocolate)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F for a slower bake or 350°F for a quicker one, depending on your oven's performance.
2
Generously grease and flour a bundt pan, or prepare two loaf pans if you prefer individual servings.
3
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, mashed bananas, eggs (or egg substitute), oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, quick oatmeal, salt, and baking soda.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
Fold in the nuts (if using) and chocolate chips gently, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
10
Enjoy your delicious Librarian's Delight Banana Nut Cake as a snack or dessert!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Librarian's Delight Banana Nut Cake?
It is a moist and aromatic cake enriched with overripe bananas, crunchy nuts, oats, and chocolate chips, based on a recipe from a school librarian.
How many bananas are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 cups of mashed overripe bananas, which is approximately 5 to 6 bananas.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
You can preheat your oven to 325°F for a slower bake or 350°F for a quicker one.
How long does the Librarian's Delight Banana Nut Cake bake?
The cake should bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What kind of pan should I use?
You should use a generously greased and floured bundt pan or two loaf pans.
Can I use an egg substitute in this recipe?
Yes, you can use 4 eggs or an equivalent egg substitute.
What type of oil is best for this cake?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 cup of vegetable or canola oil.
Why is applesauce included in the ingredients?
Applesauce is added to provide richness and keep the cake moist and wholesome.
What type of oats are used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked quick oatmeal.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Are the nuts mandatory for this recipe?
No, the 1 cup of chopped nuts is optional.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use 1 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips.
How should I prepare the pan?
Generously grease and flour the pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to either 325°F or 350°F.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Mix the wet ingredients first, whisk the dry ingredients separately, then gradually add dry to wet.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should stir until just combined and be careful not to overmix.
How do I incorporate the nuts and chocolate chips?
Gently fold them into the batter at the end to ensure even distribution.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool before serving?
Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it and let it cool completely.
Is this cake suitable for an after-school snack?
Yes, it is a wholesome and kid-friendly snack loved by both children and adults.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
What kind of salt should be used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe requires 4 eggs.
What is the preparation for the bananas?
The bananas should be overripe and thoroughly mashed.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Is this recipe considered a healthy dessert?
Yes, it is described as a guilt-free treat that combines natural sweetness and heartiness.
What makes this cake specifically aromatic?
The blend of overripe bananas, vanilla, and baking ingredients creates its signature aroma.
Can I use this recipe for a gathering?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings or as a delicious dessert for any day.
What is the role of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) acts as the leavening agent to help the cake rise.
Can I make individual servings with this recipe?
Yes, you can prepare the batter in two loaf pans if you prefer individual servings.