Dolly Parton's Delicious Banana Cake Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, is not only known for her incredible singing and songwriting but also for her culinary talents. In this article, we'll unveil her secret recipe for a mouthwatering banana cake. This delightful dessert is a true testament to Dolly's multifaceted talents and her ability to bring joy to people through both music and food.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for Dolly Parton's banana cake:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to recreate Dolly Parton's banana cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- If desired, fold in the chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch and flavor to your cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
To complete your Dolly Parton banana cake, you'll need a scrumptious cream cheese frosting:
Ingredients
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana cake.
Slice and Enjoy
Once you've completed these steps, you'll have a banana cake fit for a superstar like Dolly Parton. The cake is incredibly moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness and banana flavor, and the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful creaminess.
Serve this cake at your next gathering, and you'll have everyone singing its praises. Whether you're a fan of Dolly's music or her culinary creations, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy a slice of Dolly Parton's banana cake and savor the delightful taste of both music and dessert!
FAQs
Can I make this cake without nuts for allergies? Absolutely! You can omit the pecans if you or your guests have nut allergies. The cake will still be incredibly delicious.
How should I store the banana cake? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days.
What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 ½ cups of milk with 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
Is it possible to freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the banana cake without the cream cheese frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
What are some creative garnishes for the cake? Sliced bananas, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are excellent choices for decorating your banana cake.
Can I use brown bananas for this recipe? Absolutely! Brown bananas are actually preferred because they have a stronger, sweeter banana flavor that enhances the cake's taste.
Conclusion Dolly Parton's banana cake is a delightful creation that brings together the world of music and culinary arts. It's a testament to her creativity and her ability to spread joy in various forms. With this recipe, you can taste a slice of Dolly's magic and share it with your loved ones. So, whip up this banana cake and enjoy the blend of flavors that's as sweet as Dolly's music.