Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly moist Brazilian banana cake that comes out of the oven already filled with sweet, caramelized banana layers and a heavenly cinnamon sugar crust! This simple yet spectacular cake requires no fancy techniques – just layer, bake, and enjoy the most aromatic treat that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups (360g / 12.7 oz) granulated sugar
- 3 cups (420g / 14.8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (45g / 1.6 oz) margarine or butter
- 1 cup (240ml / 8 fl oz) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 8 small bananas (or 6 large bananas)
- 4 tablespoons (60g / 2.1 oz) granulated sugar for topping
- 2 tablespoons (20g) ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 180°C (356°F) and let it preheat for 10 minutes while you prepare the batter.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and 2 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer for 1.5 minutes until creamy and slightly increased in volume.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the flour and add it to the egg mixture along with margarine or butter and milk. Beat on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined.
- Final mixing: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix thoroughly from the bottom to ensure no lumps remain. Add baking powder and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a medium-sized baking pan generously with butter or margarine, then dust with flour.
- Layer the cake: Spread a thin layer of batter on the bottom of the prepared pan. Peel and halve the bananas (or cut into thirds if large), then arrange them over the batter.
- Make cinnamon sugar: Mix 4 tablespoons sugar with 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the bananas.
- Complete assembly: Cover with remaining batter, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes at 180°C (356°F). Test with a toothpick after 35 minutes – it should come out clean when cake is done.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before cutting to reveal the beautiful banana layers inside.
Time & Serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 245 | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 52g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 32g
Why This Recipe is Good for You
This Brazilian banana cake provides natural potassium from bananas for heart health and muscle function, while cinnamon offers antioxidant properties and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The layered structure creates natural portion control, and the homemade preparation means no artificial preservatives or excessive additives, making it a more wholesome dessert option than store-bought alternatives.