Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add vanilla extract and mashed bananas and mix until combined.
6. Add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
7. Stir in walnuts and coconut.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or vegetable shortening.
- Buttermilk: Can be substituted with regular milk or yogurt.
- Walnuts: Can be substituted with any other type of nut, such as almonds or pecans.
- Coconut: Can be substituted with raisins or dried cranberries.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped chocolate chips for a chocolate version of this cake.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a spiced version of this cake.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Caramel sauce
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of buttermilk or milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Make sure to use a clean bowl and utensils when preparing the batter.
Food History:
The Smith Island Cake is a traditional dessert from the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, and is now the official dessert of the state of Maryland.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet, banana-y flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the walnuts and coconut.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Top with fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Banana, Rich, Decadent, Banana-Flavored