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Banana Nut Cake with Broiled Coconut Frosting
This Banana Nut Cake is a moist, tender dessert brimming with ripe bananas, crunchy nuts, and a hint of vanilla. What truly sets it apart is the rich, caramelized broiled coconut topping, a sweet and slightly crispy layer of brown sugar, butter, coconut, and pecans that’s added while the cake is still hot. The recipe is a cherished example of mid-century baking where simple pantry staples transform into something memorable. With a texture similar to snack cake and a flavor that nods to Southern charm, it’s perfect for potlucks, coffee breaks, or as a nostalgic weekend treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Broiling Time 3 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1¼ cup sugar
  • 4 tbsp buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
  • 1½ cups sifted flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda (mixed into flour)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 4-5 maraschino cherries (optional)

Topping

  • 5 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp cream ( or whole milk)
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Base

  • Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Beat in buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs one at a time. Mix in mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet

  • Sift flour and baking soda together. Gradually stir dry mixture into wet until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Additions

  • Fold in chopped nuts and optional chocolate chips or raisins.

Step 5: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased oblong (9x13-inch) pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make Topping

  • While the cake bakes, mix together brown sugar, butter, cream, coconut, and pecans.

Step 7: Top and Broil

  • Remove hot cake from oven. Immediately spread topping over the surface.
  • Place under broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden and bubbly.

Tips

  • Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred.
  • For deeper banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
  • Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the batter for warmth.
  • Use sour cream instead of buttermilk if needed.
  • Broil with caution, topping can burn quickly.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
Keyword banana, coconut, comford food, pecans
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