Banana Flavored Steamed Cake – A Delightful Homemade Treat

—

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Steamer**
– Before you start making the cake batter, prepare your **steamer**. You can use a traditional steamer or simply create one using a large pot and a heatproof plate or cake tin that can fit comfortably inside.
– Bring water to a simmer in the steamer or pot, ensuring that there is enough water to produce steam, but not so much that it touches the bottom of your cake pan.

#### 2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
– In a medium-sized bowl, **sift together** the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Sifting helps to ensure an even texture for your cake.

#### 3. **Prepare the Wet Ingredients**
– In a separate large bowl, **mash the bananas** until smooth. You can leave a few chunks if you like a bit of texture in your cake, but aim for a mostly smooth puree.
– Add the **sugar**, **milk**, **oil**, **vanilla extract**, and **egg** to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

#### 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
– Gradually add the **dry ingredients** to the banana mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter should be thick but pourable.
– If you’re adding any optional mix-ins like **chopped nuts** or **chocolate chips**, fold them in gently.

#### 5. **Prepare the Cake Pan**
– Grease and flour a **round or square cake pan** that fits comfortably in your steamer or pot. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

#### 6. **Steam the Cake**
– Carefully place the cake pan into the steamer or pot. Cover the steamer with a lid and **steam** the cake for **30-40 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Check the water level in the steamer periodically to make sure it doesn’t run dry, and add more water if necessary. Be sure to maintain a simmering heat during the steaming process.

#### 7. **Cool and Serve**
– Once the cake is done, remove it from the steamer and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Serve the cake as is, or dust it with powdered sugar for an added touch. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.

—

## Tips for Success

### 1. **Use Overripe Bananas**
– The best cakes are made with **overripe bananas** because they have a higher natural sugar content and a richer flavor. The browner, the better!

### 2. **Don’t Overmix the Batter**
– Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense and tough. Stir the dry and wet ingredients together just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.

### 3. **Add Extra Flavor**
– You can spice up the cake with a **dash of cinnamon** or **nutmeg** for a warm, comforting flavor. A small handful of **chocolate chips** or a sprinkle of **chopped walnuts** would also add an extra layer of texture and taste.

### 4. **Experiment with Toppings**
– While the cake is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with toppings. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or a drizzle of **caramel sauce** can elevate the banana flavor. You could also top it with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert.

### 5. **Ensure Even Steaming**
– It’s important to maintain a consistent level of heat and steam while cooking. If you don’t have a dedicated steamer, you can create a makeshift one by using a large pot with a steaming rack or a metal colander. Just be sure the cake pan doesn’t touch the water.

—

## Why This Steamed Cake Is a Must-Try

Banana Flavored Steamed Cake is a unique and delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas in a light and fluffy dessert. The steaming process results in a moist, tender cake with a subtle banana flavor that will have you coming back for more.

This cake is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. So, if you’re craving a comforting, homemade treat, this **banana-flavored steamed cake** is definitely worth trying!

—

## Conclusion

Whether you’re a banana lover or simply looking for a new way to enjoy cake, **Banana Flavored Steamed Cake** is an easy, versatile, and delicious recipe to add to your collection. The combination of ripe bananas, soft texture, and simple ingredients makes this cake an unbeatable homemade treat. Steam it up, enjoy the process, and savor every bite!