If you’ve ever wondered how to transform those perfectly ripe, sweet plantains into a comforting baked good, this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With its moist texture, gentle sweetness, and the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s incredibly forgiving, quick to put together, and the result is a tender, flavorful loaf that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe delivers a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the ripe plantains that provide natural sweetness and moisture, to the aromatic spices that bring warmth and depth, every ingredient is essential.
- Overripe plantains: The riper, the better – they’re the heart of this recipe and add incredible natural sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs (or flaxseed for a vegan version): These bind everything together and lend structure to the cake.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): This gives body to the bread, so you get that satisfying crumb we all love.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for helping the bread rise and stay light and fluffy.
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt: These spices bring warmth, flavor complexity, and balance to the sweetness.
- Sugar (optional): Added for extra sweetness if your plantains aren’t quite ripe enough.
- Melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan): Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
- Milk and yogurt (or plant-based alternatives): These provide moisture and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F, setting the perfect environment for baking this wonderful bread. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan well to ensure your plantain cake releases easily after baking, giving you those clean slices you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, so each bite boasts that perfect taste and rise.
Step 3: Prepare the Plantains
Peel your overripe plantains and blend them into a silky-smooth puree. This step is where the magic begins, turning those sweet, lush fruits into the base of your loaf.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the plantain puree, add eggs, melted butter, sugar (if using), yogurt, and milk. Whisk these together until smooth and fully combined. This wet mixture will infuse the bread with moisture and flavor, ensuring a tender crumb.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and don’t overmix—just enough to combine so your bread stays light without getting dense.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Allow your plantain cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes—it helps it set up nicely! Then transfer it onto a rack to cool completely before slicing. This is when the aroma fills your kitchen and the anticipation really starts.
How to Serve Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a simple spread of butter or cream cheese can elevate this cake to something truly indulgent. You might also sprinkle a handful of toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a dollop of yogurt, or even a drizzle of honey. For a savory twist, serve alongside a mild cheese or your favorite nut butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning slices into French toast or layering them in a trifle with whipped cream and berries for a unique dessert experience. You can also cube the bread and toast it for a crunchy snack or croutons to sprinkle on salads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your plantain cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days to maintain its freshness and moist texture.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until heated through, regaining that freshly baked feel with a soft and tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use green plantains instead of ripe ones?
Green plantains have a starchy, less sweet flavor and won’t provide the same natural sweetness or softness needed for this cake. For best results, always use overripe, black-spotted plantains.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Swap the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground seed + 3 tablespoons water), use vegetable oil instead of butter, and plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. This keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
Do I have to add sugar to this recipe?
The sugar is optional because ripe plantains are naturally sweet. If your plantains aren’t very ripe or you prefer a sweeter bread, add sugar to taste.
What makes this an “Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe”?
The straightforward ingredient list and simple, step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels, ensuring you can enjoy delicious plantain bread without fuss.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in equal amounts. Just make sure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free too for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe feels like a little slice of sunshine wrapped up in a loaf. It’s cozy, satisfies your sweet tooth naturally, and brings such vibrant flavor with simple ingredients. I can’t recommend it enough for your next baking adventure. Grab those ripe plantains and dive in – your kitchen is about to be filled with delightful aromas and happy smiles!
Print
Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Plantain Cake, also known as Plantain Bread, is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with ripe plantains, warm spices, and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s simple to prepare and can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free depending on your ingredient choices.
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 overripe plantains, peeled and pureed
- 2 large eggs (or 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water for vegan version)
- ½ cup sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan version)
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (or plant-based yogurt alternative)
- ¼ 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 with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Plantains: Place the peeled ripe plantains into a blender or food processor and blend until a smooth puree forms.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the plantain puree with eggs (or flaxseed mixture), melted butter, sugar, yogurt, and milk. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The riper the plantains, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
- You can substitute eggs and dairy with vegan alternatives to make this recipe vegan.
- Use gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free but note the texture may vary slightly.
- Sugar is optional depending on the sweetness of your plantains and your personal preference.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
