If you are craving a deliciously moist and flavorful treat that feels both comforting and exotic, this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. With the natural sweetness of overripe plantains blending seamlessly with warm spices and a tender crumb, this cake is a true celebration of simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this recipe delivers a moist, aromatic loaf that everyone will adore. Get ready to welcome a new favorite into your kitchen that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe keeps things straightforward with everyday ingredients that pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays a vital role—from the luscious plantain puree that gives the bread its signature moistness, to the warming spices that add an inviting aroma.
- Overripe plantains: The riper, the better for natural sweetness and silky texture.
- Eggs (or flaxseed for vegan): Bind everything together while adding richness.
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light, fluffy loaf.
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt: Warm spices that bring depth and balance to the sweetness.
- Sugar (optional): Enhances the natural sugars without overpowering.
- Melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan): Adds moisture and richness throughout the bread.
- Milk and yogurt (or plant-based): Keeps the bread tender and gives a slight tangy note.
How to Make Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9-inch loaf pan lightly to prevent sticking and help the bread bake evenly. This step sets the stage for a perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking these together not only distributes the spices evenly, but also ensures your bread will rise just right.
Step 3: Puree the Plantains
Peel and blend your ripe plantains until smooth. This luscious puree will be the star of your bread, infusing every bite with natural sweetness and moisture that makes this recipe truly special.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
To the plantain puree, add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture for vegan), melted butter, sugar, yogurt, and milk. Mix everything well until smooth and homogenous. This combination enriches the batter and adds a lovely creaminess.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Take care not to overmix—the goal is just to combine so the bread stays tender and fluffy, not tough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell at this stage will be utterly irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set up before transferring it to a cooling rack. This step prevents breakage while slicing. Once cooled, cut into thick slices and get ready to enjoy your creation.
How to Serve Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A great way to elevate this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of creamy nut butter. Each adds a personalized touch that complements the bread’s natural flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this plantain bread with fresh fruit like berries or tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple to brighten up your plate. A cup of coffee or spiced chai also makes for an ideal companion to this sweet and spiced loaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast the bread, then top with cream cheese and sliced bananas for a delightful twist. Alternatively, cube it to make a sweet bread pudding or serve it alongside ice cream for a warm, comforting dessert. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect to experiment with.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your plantain cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying over a few days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen plantain bread, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a toaster oven or microwave. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make this plantain bread vegan?
Absolutely! Swap eggs for a flaxseed egg substitute, use vegetable oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based milk and yogurt to keep it vegan without losing the delicious flavors and moist texture.
What is the best type of plantain to use?
For this recipe, the key is to use overripe plantains that have dark spots or are almost black. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer they become, which makes your bread beautifully moist and flavorful.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of similar weight. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the bread’s structure.
Is this recipe sweet enough without added sugar?
The natural sugars in ripe plantains provide a good amount of sweetness, but you can leave out the optional sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread. It will still be delicious and moist with the spices creating a lovely balance.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little tropical magic into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its moist texture, warm spices, and natural sweetness from ripe plantains make every bite a comforting delight. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find this recipe becoming a staple in your baking repertoire that you’ll turn to time and time again.
Print
Easy Plantain Cake/Plantain Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- 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 dessert, it combines the natural sweetness of plantains with comforting notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. A versatile recipe that can be adapted to vegan or gluten-free diets, this cake bakes to a golden perfection in under an hour, making it an ideal quick bake for any occasion.
Ingredients
Produce
- 3–4 overripe plantains (the riper, the better)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
- 1/3 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil for vegan version)
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 cup yogurt (regular or plant-based alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
- Prepare the Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains and place the pieces in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth plantain puree, ensuring no large chunks remain.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the plantain puree with eggs, melted butter, sugar, yogurt, and milk. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk, yogurt, and vegetable oil instead of dairy and butter.
- For gluten-free baking, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
- Adjust sugar according to the ripeness of your plantains; very ripe plantains may make the cake sweet enough to reduce or omit added sugar.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture and flavor.
- Store the cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
