If you have ever wished for a dessert or snack that feels like a warm hug, then this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. With the sweet richness of overripe plantains beautifully balanced by cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake offers moist texture and incredible flavor in every slice. Whether you call it cake or bread, it’s guaranteed to become your next go-to for a quick, comforting treat that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and moistness that make this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe so irresistible.
- Overripe plantains: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be, so look for black-speckled plantains.
- Eggs (or flaxseed): These bind the ingredients together and add richness; flaxseed makes a perfect vegan alternative.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Provides the structure and light crumb to your cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give your cake a gentle lift and tender crumb.
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt: These spices enhance the natural sweetness and add a warm, aromatic depth.
- Sugar (optional): Just a little to brighten the natural sugar from plantains if you prefer it sweeter.
- Melted butter (or vegetable oil): Adds moistness and richness, ensuring the bread stays tender.
- Milk and yogurt (or plant-based alternatives): These keep the cake wonderfully moist and add slight tang for balance.
How to Make Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch loaf pan. Preparing the pan ahead ensures your cake won’t stick and will have a beautiful outer crust.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of spices and leaveners for a perfectly balanced cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Plantains
Take your very ripe plantains and blend or mash them into a smooth puree. The natural sweetness and moisture from the plantains are the heart and soul of this recipe, giving it that signature softness and flavor.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the plantain puree, add eggs (or flaxseed substitute), melted butter, sugar if using, yogurt, and milk. Mix everything well to create a smooth, luscious batter that promises moistness in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until all the flour disappears. This gentle handling keeps your bread tender and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it into the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making waiting impossible to resist.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting lets the cake set nicely before slicing and serving your masterpiece.
How to Serve Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your slice beautifully. Fresh berries or toasted nuts add a lovely texture contrast and pop of color.
Side Dishes
This plantain cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. For a heartier treat, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into small squares and serving it with spreads like guava jelly or cream cheese for a tropical twist. You can even toast slices lightly for a warm, crisp exterior that offers a new dimension of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover plantain cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it, though this might slightly dry out the cake.
Freezing
This Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to refresh their moist, tender texture and enhance their aroma, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?
Green plantains are starchier and less sweet, which will result in a denser, less flavorful cake. For the best results, always use very ripe plantains with black spots on their skin.
Is there a vegan version of this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), replace butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives.
Do I have to use yogurt in the batter?
Yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. You can substitute it with more milk or even coconut cream, but the texture may be a bit different.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips to add delightful bursts of texture and flavor throughout the bread.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Besides the golden-brown top, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your plantain cake is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s quickly become a beloved treat in my kitchen. It’s simple, versatile, and bursting with natural flavor that makes every bite a joy. I encourage you to give it a whirl—you may just discover your new favorite cake.
Print
Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Plantain Cake, also known as Plantain Bread, is a moist and flavorful treat made with ripe plantains, warm spices, and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this loaf combines the natural sweetness of overripe plantains with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla to create a comforting, tropical-inspired cake that’s simple to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large overripe plantains (the riper, the better), peeled
- 2 large eggs (or 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water for vegan option)
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan option)
- ½ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or plant-based yogurt alternative)
- ½ 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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined for a well-spiced base.
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel and blend the ripe plantains in a blender or food processor until you achieve a smooth, creamy puree free of lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the plantain puree, add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture), melted butter, sugar, yogurt, and milk. Mix thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the greased loaf pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use very ripe plantains with blackened skins for the best sweetness and flavor.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
- You can adjust sugar according to your preference or omit it if the plantains are very sweet.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and light.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Optionally, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
