Banana cake is popular in Singapore and Malaysia. During my childhood days, I remembered my mom baking one of the moistest banana cakes I have ever tasted. So I do what I do best and that is to ask my mom for the recipe!
My mom revised a recipe she had for years. The final result is a banana cake that does not end up being too rich or sweet. I always eat this without any guilt because of the lesser content of sugar and butter.
It’s classic, loved by everyone and easy to make.
Overripe bananas
Overripe bananas are best made into desserts such as banana balls or cekodok (also known as fried banana balls). A banana that is not ripe has more complex carbohydrates.
However, as it ripens, the starch in the banana turns into simple sugars. Sometimes, I will use bananas where the skins are almost black as this indicates that they are very much sweeter. If such overripe bananas are used, lessen the amount of sugar.
A cap of rum
Adding a bit of alcohol makes the cake so much more delicious. Rum adds a yummy smoky caramel flavour to the cake. I added it as an experiment that is now indispensable.
Best frosting for banana cake
As this banana cake is so easy to make and delicious, I baked it so often. Most of my colleagues who tasted it had requested the recipe. However, it may seem too plain to some.
Hence, whenever I baked this cake for a party or gathering, it will always be topped with some cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with caramelized chopped walnuts. The cream cheese frosting goes so well with it and does not overpower the taste of the bananas in the cake.
Ideas to serve banana cake
In countries like Australia, the banana cake which I am accustomed to is known as banana bread and is found in almost every cafe and bakery. I have seen them served with whipped cream, toasted walnuts and even ice cream. Otherwise, spread some salted butter on it like how the Aussies do.
How to store cake?
Storing banana cake after baking is a good idea if you want to have delicious tea time in the next few days. Always allow the cake to cool down to room temperature or excess moisture will result in mould.
Keep it in an airtight container. You can portion the cake bite sizes or leave it as a whole. I like leaving it as a whole to minimize the surface exposed to air. It will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
Then the cake will start to dry up a little. Leaving it refrigerated will be a better option as the cake will remain fresh for up to 7 days.
Freezing banana cake
For longer storage, keep it in a plastic wrap or aluminium foil before storing it in an airtight container or zip lock bag. The cake can be left frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost the cake, leave it on the countertop for 3-4 hours.
