5 Delicious Plantain Cake Recipes You Must Try

Plantains, a close cousin to bananas but with their distinct starchy flavor, are a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Latin American, Caribbean, and African dishes. While plantains can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways—from being fried into tostones to boiled for mofongo—one of the less explored yet incredibly rewarding uses of plantains is in the creation of plantain cakes. These cakes are not only simple to prepare but also offer a delightful taste experience, providing a sweet yet earthy flavor profile that is universally appealing. Here, we delve into five unique plantain cake recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and inspire your culinary creativity.

1. Classic Plantain Cake

This is the foundational recipe for anyone new to baking with plantains. It’s easy, straightforward, and showcases the natural sweetness of ripe plantains.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe plantains
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup of butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan.
2. Puree the ripe plantains in a blender until smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Stir in the plantain puree.
6. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually incorporate into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just mixed.
7. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

🍰 Note: The ripeness of the plantain directly influences the flavor; the riper, the sweeter.

2. Spicy Chocolate Plantain Cake

For those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweet, this recipe introduces a surprising twist with the addition of spices.

Ingredients:

• All ingredients from the classic recipe plus:
• ¹⁄₄ cup cocoa powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1 to 4 from the classic plantain cake recipe.
2. After adding the eggs, incorporate the cocoa powder, cayenne, and cinnamon into the mix.
3. Continue with the remaining steps, adding chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

🌶️ Note: The spices can be adjusted to suit your heat tolerance.

3. Coconut Infused Plantain Cake

The tropical flavors of coconut and plantain create a harmonious marriage in this cake.

Ingredients:

• All ingredients from the classic recipe, with:
• 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• ¹⁄₂ cup coconut milk (instead of regular milk)
• 1 tsp coconut extract

Instructions:

1. Follow the classic recipe but use coconut milk in place of milk.
2. Add the shredded coconut and coconut extract with the plantain puree.

🌴 Note: If you want a more pronounced coconut flavor, you can toast the coconut before adding it to the batter.

4. Plantain Cheesecake

For a dessert that merges traditional cheesecake with the unique flavor of plantains.

Ingredients:

• For the crust:
• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups crushed graham crackers
• ¹⁄₂ cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• For the filling:
• 2 ripe plantains, pureed
• 24 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix the crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a springform pan.
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one by one, followed by sour cream, vanilla, and plantain puree.
4. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 55-70 minutes or until the center is almost set.
5. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

💡 Note: This cheesecake can be served with a fruit coulis for added flavor contrast.

5. Savory Plantain Cornbread

Not all plantain cakes need to be sweet. Here’s a savory version perfect for pairing with stews or as a standalone treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 ripe plantain, mashed
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another, then mix together until just blended.
3. Fold in the plantain and jalapeno, if using.
4. Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

🌽 Note: The addition of jalapeno provides a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the plantain.

To sum up, these five plantain cake recipes demonstrate the versatility and deliciousness that ripe plantains can bring to the baking table. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, savory, or a blend of both, there's a plantain cake recipe here that will surely delight. With their unique flavor profile, plantains not only add depth to the taste but also enhance the texture, making these cakes stand out. Experimenting with plantains can open up a world of culinary possibilities, encouraging you to revisit traditional recipes with a tropical twist. So why not take your baking to the next level by trying these delightful plantain cakes? Your taste buds—and perhaps your dinner guests—will thank you.