🍌 Plantain Cake: A Slice of Sunny Comfort, Irresistibly Moist

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when ripe plantains transform into something utterly divine, and this Plantain Cake is pure enchantment! Imagine a golden-hued cake, incredibly moist and tender, bursting with the natural sweetness and subtle caramel notes of perfectly ripened plantains. Every bite is a journey to a sun-drenched kitchen, a warm embrace that feels both comforting and exotic. It’s a versatile delight, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a vibrant afternoon treat with a cup of coffee, or a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Quick Glance

• ⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 8-10
• 💥 Vibe: Sweet, Tropical, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Plantain Cake
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! For this heartwarming Plantain Cake, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and, of course, those beautifully ripe plantains. The riper, the better – think yellow with plenty of black spots for maximum sweetness and an incredible texture.

• 3 large, very ripe plantains (yellow with many black spots)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on plantain sweetness)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

How to Make Plantain Cake

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable Plantain Cake that will fill your home with the most delightful aroma.

1. Prep the Plantains: Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick rounds. You can either boil them until very tender (about 10-15 minutes), steam them, or roast them in the oven until soft and slightly caramelized. Once cooked, mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 ½ cups of mashed plantain. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a 9-inch round springform pan.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Incorporate Plantain & Buttermilk: Gradually add the cooled mashed plantain to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Then, slowly add the buttermilk, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
7. Combine Wet & Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. If using, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
8. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
9. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This Plantain Cake is fantastic on its own, but a little creativity can elevate it even further!

• Cream Cheese Frosting Dream: A tangy cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven for the sweet, tropical notes of the plantain cake.
• Coconut & Lime Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of lime juice, and a hint of coconut milk for a bright, zesty glaze. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top would be divine!
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of cardamom to the dry ingredients.
• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with the dry ingredients for a delightful chocolatey touch.
• A La Mode: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Reviews

“This cake is absolutely phenomenal! So moist and the plantain flavor really shines through. My family devoured it in a day!” – Mariana S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I never thought to bake with plantains, but this recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to follow and the results are incredibly delicious. A new favorite!” – David P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“A tropical hug in cake form! The spices are just right, and it stays moist for days. Highly recommend!” – Chloe R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FAQ

Q: Can I use green plantains for this recipe?
A: No, for this specific recipe, very ripe (yellow with black spots) plantains are essential. Green plantains are starchy and not sweet, and will result in a completely different flavor and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover Plantain Cake?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially if it has frosting.

Q: Can I make this Plantain Cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: No problem! You can easily make your own. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk to the ½ cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about creating a dish that brings smiles to faces, and this Plantain Cake does exactly that. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of warmth, a memory in the making, and a testament to the simple joy of home baking. We truly hope you invite the delightful flavors of this cake into your kitchen and let its comforting embrace fill your home. Happy baking, dear friends!

Recipe Note

For an even deeper flavor, let your plantains get extra ripe – almost entirely black. This will enhance their natural sweetness and caramel notes, making your cake truly exceptional.