- Granulated sugar (1 cup, for mixing and topping)
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Dried coconut flakes (1 cup, for topping)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
- Vanilla Glaze Ingredients:
- Confectioners' sugar (1 1/4 cups)
- Milk (3 tablespoons)
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Banana Coconut Cake with Vanilla Glaze
Are you looking for a unique and flavorful dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This recipe combines the sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of coconut in a cake that’s sure to impress. Top it off with a smooth vanilla glaze, and you have a delightful treat that your family and friends will love.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
#### Vanilla Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Preparing the Batter
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. **Add Eggs:**
- Beat in one egg at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract after the last egg.
4. **Mix in Bananas:**
- Gently fold in the mashed bananas and cinnamon until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. **Fold in Coconut and Applesauce:**
- Stir in the shredded coconut and unsweetened applesauce by hand using a spatula to avoid over-mixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
7. **Bake the Cake:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool the Cake:**
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
#### Making the Vanilla Glaze
1. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a small saucepan, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture comes together like frosting and becomes smooth.
2. **Drizzle the Cake:**
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the warm glaze over it. You can spread it evenly with a knife or spoon for an attractive finish.
3. **Let It Set:**
- Let the glaze set and harden on top of the cake before serving to ensure a smooth, glossy surface.
### Tips and Variations
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- To make it nut-free, simply omit the coconut or substitute with another topping like chocolate chips.
- Consider adding a pinch of baking soda for extra fluffiness in your cake batter.
Enjoy this delicious banana coconut cake and vanilla glaze! It's not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just whenever you feel like indulging in something sweet and special.