If you have a soft spot for naturally sweet, moist treats that also feel like a warm hug, then this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Made with ripe plantains that bring a subtle tropical sweetness and a lovely soft texture, this recipe is a wonderful twist on your usual quick breads. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this cake offers a delightful combination of spices, tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for both kitchen novices and seasoned bakers looking for an easy yet impressive bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a special role in balancing the flavors and creating that perfect soft texture and inviting aroma.
- Overripe plantains: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful, acting as the natural star ingredient.
- Eggs (or flaxseed for vegan): These bind everything together, lending moisture and structure.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): Gives the cake body and crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully.
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt: These spices bring a warm, comforting depth of flavor.
- Sugar (optional): Added for a touch of sweetness, easily adjusted to taste.
- Melted butter (or vegetable oil): Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
- Milk and yogurt (or plant-based alternatives): These help with tenderness and slight tanginess.
How to Make Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F, which ensures it’s perfectly ready when the batter is mixed. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan thoroughly—this step is key to making sure your plantain cake slides out smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first distributes the leavening agents and spices evenly, which guarantees the flavor and texture come out just right.
Step 3: Puree the Plantains
Peel and blend your overripe plantains until they form a silky smooth puree. This puree provides a natural sweetness and moistness that makes the cake especially tender and indulgent.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients with the Plantain Puree
To the plantain puree, add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture), melted butter, sugar if using, yogurt, and milk. Whisk everything together until well combined. This creamy mixture is where all the luscious flavors start to meld.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here — a few lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep your plantain bread light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake the Batter
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a tempting aroma that’s downright irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake firm up slightly, making slicing easier and neater.
How to Serve Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate this cake to another delicious level with minimal effort. For a festive touch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or shredded coconut on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This plantain bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced mango, which balance its cozy sweetness with bright freshness. A cup of coffee or tea completes the experience, turning a simple snack into a moment of pure joy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into smaller pieces to serve as bite-sized treats at breakfast gatherings or brunch parties. You can even toast slices and top them with cream cheese and sliced avocado for a savory twist that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover plantain cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful for up to three days at room temperature. Refrigerate if your kitchen is particularly warm.
Freezing
This Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives the bread’s soft texture and enhances its rich aroma, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture, use vegetable oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. The cake will still come out moist and flavorful.
What if I don’t have ripe plantains?
The key to this recipe’s signature sweetness and texture is using overripe plantains. If your plantains are green or firm, you can ripen them faster by placing them in a closed paper bag at room temperature for a few days.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or chocolate chips make delightful add-ins that add texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter right before baking for a fun twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend designed for baking. The rise and texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick (or a thin skewer) into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your plantain bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe—its warmth, sweetness, and simplicity all wrapped up in one loaf. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising loved ones, this recipe promises comfort and smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple for cozy mornings and happy afternoons!
Print
Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Plantain Cake, also known as Plantain Bread, is a moist and flavorful treat that combines ripe plantains with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a breakfast item or a snack, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free. Its soft texture and natural sweetness from overripe plantains make it a delightful alternative to traditional banana bread.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 overripe plantains (the riper, the better), blended into a smooth puree
- 2 large eggs (or 2 tablespoons flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water for vegan version)
- ½ cup sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- â…“ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan version)
- â…“ cup yogurt (or plant-based yogurt alternative)
- â…“ cup milk (or plant-based milk alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose or gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel and blend the overripe plantains until you achieve a smooth, creamy puree, which will provide moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the plantain puree, add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture), melted butter (or oil), sugar if using, yogurt, and milk. Mix well until all wet ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use overripe plantains with blackened skins for the best sweetness and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed eggs and use plant-based milk, yogurt, and oil instead of dairy products.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying or omitting the sugar since ripe plantains are naturally sweet.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.
- Test doneness with a toothpick near the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
