Easy Steamed Banana Cake Recipe for a Light and Delicious Treat

A unique twist on traditional banana cake, this steamed banana cake with mushrooms offers a delicate balance of natural sweetness and umami richness. The steaming process keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, while the addition of mushrooms enhances the depth of flavor. Perfect for a light dessert or an afternoon snack, this cake is a delightful fusion of ingredients that may surprise you in the best way possible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Fluffy: Steaming creates an ultra-soft texture without the need for excess butter or oil.
Naturally Sweetened: The ripe bananas add natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
Unique Flavor Combination: The earthiness of mushrooms complements the sweetness of bananas for a truly balanced taste.
No Oven Needed: A great alternative when you don’t want to use the oven—just steam and enjoy!
Healthy & Wholesome: With simple, nourishing ingredients, this cake is a satisfying treat without being overly rich.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mushrooms, finely chopped (shiitake or button mushrooms work best)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

For Garnish (Optional)

• ¼ cup toasted nuts (walnuts or almonds)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Drizzle of honey or coconut syrup

Instructions

Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add coconut milk, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently. Do not overmix—just combine until there are no dry streaks.

Add the Mushrooms

1. Finely chop the mushrooms and sauté them in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Fold the mushrooms into the cake batter along with the melted coconut oil.

Steam the Cake

1. Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and pour in the batter.
2. Place the cake pan in a steamer over boiling water. Cover with a lid and steam for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Turn off the heat and let the cake sit for 5 minutes before removing it from the steamer.

Cool & Serve

1. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.
2. Garnish with toasted nuts, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 180 | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
• Steam on Medium Heat: Too much heat can cause the cake to cook unevenly or become too dense.
• Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or a handful of raisins for extra sweetness.

Why This Recipe Works

• Steaming Keeps It Moist: Unlike baked cakes, this one stays soft and airy thanks to the gentle steaming process.
• Bananas Provide Natural Sweetness: Less refined sugar is needed, making it a healthier treat.
• Mushrooms Add Depth: The slight umami flavor enhances the cake without overpowering the sweetness.
• Great for Special Diets: It’s dairy-free and can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets.

This steamed banana cake with mushrooms is a delightful way to enjoy a unique, wholesome dessert. With its naturally sweet banana base and subtle umami touch from mushrooms, it’s a conversation-worthy dish that’s light, satisfying, and full of unexpected flavor. Whether enjoyed as a tea-time snack or a healthy indulgence, this cake is sure to impress!

Serve, savor, and enjoy every bite of this wonderfully moist and flavorful creation!