Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Moist Banana Pecan Coffee Cake?
This coffee cake features a luscious blend of creamy cheese and ripe bananas, complemented by crunchy pecans and a fragrant cinnamon-sugar topping.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch baking pan.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the baking pan before adding the batter?
You should grease the 13-inch by 9-inch by 2-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
What ingredients are beaten together at the start of the recipe?
Use an electric mixer to beat together softened cream cheese, butter or margarine, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 8 ounces of softened cream cheese for better blending.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or 1/2 cup of margarine.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
How many eggs are needed for this coffee cake?
This recipe requires two large eggs.
What type of bananas should I use and how many?
You should use 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas, which is approximately 3 medium-sized bananas.
When is the vanilla extract added?
The vanilla extract is stirred in along with the mashed bananas after the eggs have been mixed in.
What are the dry ingredients used in the batter?
The dry ingredients consist of sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How should I combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just incorporated.
Is there a warning about mixing the batter?
Yes, the instructions advise being careful not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added.
What makes up the topping mixture?
The topping mixture is made by combining chopped pecans, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How many pecans are used in the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped raw pecans.
How much of the pecan topping goes inside the cake?
You fold half of the pecan topping mixture directly into the cake batter.
What happens to the remaining half of the pecan topping?
The remaining half of the pecan topping is sprinkled over the top of the batter before baking.
How long does the Moist Banana Pecan Coffee Cake bake?
The cake should bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
Do I need to cool the cake before serving?
Yes, the instructions recommend allowing the cake to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea and great for brunch gatherings.
What provides the cake's rich and moist texture?
The combination of cream cheese and ripe mashed bananas creates the rich, moist texture.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by Quick Cooking Magazine.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the topping.
How much sugar is used in the topping?
The topping uses 2 tablespoons of sugar in addition to the amount in the batter.
What is the specific amount of granulated sugar for the batter?
The batter requires 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
What kind of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Does the recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.