Easy Plantain Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that beautifully transforms ripe plantains into a moist, tender treat, look no further than this Easy Plantain Cake. With its golden crumb and irresistible aroma of baking spices, this cake is a true celebration of Caribbean flavor, simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for guests. Whether you’re new to baking with plantains or a longtime fan, Easy Plantain Cake is the sweet, nostalgic, and fuss-free recipe that any dessert lover needs in their collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Plantain Cake comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and perfectly ripe plantains. Each ingredient plays its own vital role, shaping the cake’s soft crumb, rich taste, and inviting color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Ripe plantains: Black or heavily speckled, these are the key to moistness and natural sweetness in your cake.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness, blending with the plantains for a balanced, delicate flavor.
- Brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel and extra moisture, deepening the cake’s flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Delivers a rich, tender crumb and delicious buttery aroma.
- Large eggs: Help the cake set and give it just the right amount of lift and structure.
- Whole milk or evaporated milk: Both options add creaminess; evaporated milk creates a denser, more decadent cake.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complexity, tying all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing body without making it heavy.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake a gentle rise, ensuring a light, fluffy crumb.
- Ground cinnamon: Lends cozy spice notes that play beautifully with the plantain’s sweetness.
- Salt: Brightens and balances the sweet flavors, making everything pop.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch is all you need for warmth and depth—highly recommended if you have it!
How to Make Easy Plantain Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s at the perfect baking temperature by the time your batter is ready. Take a moment to generously grease a 9×9-inch or 8-inch round baking pan—this helps guarantee that lovely golden crust and makes unmolding a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Plantains
In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe plantains until mostly smooth, but leave a few small chunks for texture if you like a little bite in your cake. The riper the plantains, the easier this step is, and the deeper the cake’s sweetness.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Into the mashed plantains, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform mixture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. This step is where your cake’s flavor foundation develops, blending the mellow richness of plantain with sweet and buttery notes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg. This ensures everything is evenly incorporated before meeting the moist ingredients—no rogue pockets of spice or leavening.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gently stir the dry mix into the wet plantain mixture, folding just until you see no streaks of flour. Avoid overmixing so your Easy Plantain Cake turns out light and plush. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pop the pan into the oven and let the cake bake for 35–40 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your cake rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing—this locks in moisture and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Easy Plantain Cake
Garnishes
Add a final flourish to your Easy Plantain Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. A handful of toasted nuts or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn each slice into an elegant dessert—don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite toppings!
Side Dishes
This cake is delicious with coffee or spiced tea, balancing the natural sweetness. If you’d like something more Caribbean-inspired, serve Easy Plantain Cake with a side of pineapple, mango, or berry compote for a hit of fresh acidity that complements its warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, cut the cake into small squares and serve on a platter with colorful toothpicks, or layer cubes in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit. You can even tuck slices into lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the remaining Easy Plantain Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It will keep on the counter for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
To freeze, slice the cooled cake, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Your Easy Plantain Cake will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Defrost slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, warm leftover slices for a few seconds in the microwave or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. This brings back that lovely moisture and releases all the cake’s fabulous aromas again.
FAQs
Can I use bananas instead of plantains for this cake?
While bananas have a different flavor and moisture level, they can work if you’re in a pinch. Your cake may turn out a bit lighter and slightly less sweet than the classic Easy Plantain Cake, but it will still be tasty!
What if my plantains aren’t super ripe?
If your plantains are only yellow, try roasting them in the oven at 350°F until they darken and soften, which will bring out more sweetness—an essential for the best Easy Plantain Cake texture and flavor.
Is the cake gluten-free?
As written, Easy Plantain Cake includes all-purpose flour, so it contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute your favorite gluten-free baking blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum if needed for structure.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes! You can cut back on either the granulated or brown sugar by a few tablespoons for a less sweet cake, especially if your plantains are very ripe. Just keep in mind the cake will be more subtly flavored.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking your Easy Plantain Cake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Plantain Cake is pure comfort, straight from the heart of the Caribbean to your table. I hope you try it and share it with friends and family—the results are always swoon-worthy! Happy baking!
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Easy Plantain Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with this Easy Plantain Cake recipe. Made with ripe plantains and warm spices, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Ripe Plantains:
- 3 ripe plantains (black or heavily speckled, peeled)
Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Eggs and Dairy:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk or evaporated milk
Flavorings and Dry Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 8-inch round baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe plantains, then mix in sugars and melted butter. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Add to wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- For a Caribbean twist, sprinkle the top with shredded coconut or serve with sweetened condensed milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
