Recipe: Gluten-Free Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups rolled oats (blended into oat flour)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
• 1/4 cup raisins (soaked and drained)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Preparation and Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining a 9×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

• Peel and mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
• Blend the rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they turn into a fine flour.
• Soak the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain them to keep them moist during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

In the same bowl as the mashed bananas, add the honey (or maple syrup), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Mix-Ins

Fold in the chopped nuts, soaked raisins, and chocolate chips. Ensure that the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Wrapping Up

This gluten-free banana cake is proof that healthy baking can be just as indulgent as traditional recipes. By using oats instead of flour, adding the natural sweetness of bananas, and incorporating a medley of delicious mix-ins, you’ve created a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or simply looking for a wholesome treat, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Slice it warm with a smear of butter or enjoy it as a quick breakfast snack—either way, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.

Key Takeaways

• Oats are a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to flour.
• Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Soaking raisins prevents them from drying out during baking.
• The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
• Bake at 200°C for approximately 25 minutes for the perfect loaf.

Step-by-Step Checklist

• Preparation: Gather ingredients and preheat the oven.
• Mix: Mash bananas, blend oats, and combine wet and dry ingredients.
• Enhance: Add soaked raisins, nuts, and chocolate chips.
• Bake: Pour batter into a lined loaf pan and bake for 25 minutes.
• Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool, slice, and enjoy!