If you’re looking for a unique and delicious twist on traditional banana bread, this Tahini Banana Cake recipe is the perfect choice. Tahini, a sesame seed paste, adds a nutty and creamy richness that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas. This cake is moist, flavorful, and ideal for a cozy afternoon treat or a quick breakfast on the go.
Why Tahini Banana Cake?
Tahini is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, often paired with savory dishes like hummus or falafel. However, its creamy texture and nutty flavor also work beautifully in sweet recipes. Incorporating tahini into banana cake gives it a unique depth of flavor and makes the cake incredibly moist. If you’ve never baked with tahini before, you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients for the Best Tahini Banana Cake Recipe
- 3 ripe bananas – the riper, the better
- ⅓ cup tahini – creamy and smooth
- ½ cup brown sugar – adds a rich, caramelized sweetness
- 2 large eggs – helps bind the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – gives additional lift
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
- ⅓ cup olive oil or melted coconut oil – for a healthier fat option
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or buttermilk – adds moisture and a slight tang
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chocolate chips, or nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tahini Banana Cake
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are smooth and free of large lumps.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
Add tahini, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and olive oil to the mashed bananas. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the cake dense.
6. Add the Yogurt or Buttermilk:
Gently fold in the yogurt or buttermilk until the batter is smooth and slightly thick.
7. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds, chocolate chips, or nuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
8. Bake:
Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
Slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve as a delightful dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Tips for a Perfect Tahini Banana Cake
1. Use Overripe Bananas
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your tahini banana cake will be. Bananas with brown spots or even fully browned skins are ideal.
2. Don’t Over-Mix the Batter
Over-mixing the batter can lead to a tough and dense cake. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined to avoid this.
3. Customize with Toppings
If you’re a fan of texture, try adding sesame seeds or nuts on top of the batter before baking. You could also fold in chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
Recipe Variations for Tahini Banana Cake
1. Gluten-Free Tahini Banana Cake
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
2. Vegan Tahini Banana Cake
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based yogurt or coconut milk instead of Greek yogurt.
3. Chocolate Tahini Banana Cake
Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist, or stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for an extra treat.
Nutritional Benefits of Tahini Banana Cake Ingredients
1. Tahini
Tahini is rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, and important nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It’s a great addition to your diet, especially in sweet treats like banana cakes.
2. Bananas
Bananas are well-known for being a great source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure. They also contain vitamins like B6 and C, which are beneficial for overall health.
3. Olive Oil
Using olive oil or coconut oil adds healthy fats to this cake, making it not only moist but also better for heart health.
Pairing Ideas for Your Tahini Banana Cake
Pair your Tahini Banana Cake with a warm beverage like Earl Grey tea, which you can learn to make perfectly in this Earl Grey Cookies recipe. The nutty flavors of tahini blend harmoniously with the rich, bold flavor of Earl Grey.
For a lighter dessert, consider serving slices of this cake with a dollop of whipped Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tahini Banana Cake
Can I substitute tahini in this recipe?
If you don’t have tahini on hand, you can substitute it with almond butter or peanut butter for a similar nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that these substitutions will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I store this cake?
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes! This cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Internal Linking Suggestions for Tahini Banana Cake Recipe
- Ultimate Blackberry Cheesecake: This cake recipe is perfect for dessert lovers looking for something fruity yet indulgent. Check out our Ultimate Blackberry Cheesecake for another rich and creamy dessert that pairs well with banana flavors.
- Perfect Earl Grey Cookies: Pair your Tahini Banana Cake with some light and crispy Earl Grey Cookies for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Conclusion: The Best Tahini Banana Cake Recipe
This Tahini Banana Cake recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, with a moist texture that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a quick breakfast, or an after-dinner treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with a classic banana twist!