Banana, pineapple & walnut cake

Ingredients

Sponge biscuit

2 eggs
200 grams (7 ounces) banana
200 grams (7 ounces) canned pineapples
60 grams (2.1 ounces) walnuts
120 grams (4.2 ounces) vegetable oil
230 grams (8.1 ounces) flour
200 grams (7 ounces) sugar
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.33 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

The cream

250 grams (8.8 ounces) cream cheese
200 grams (7 ounces) powdered sugar
120 grams (4.2 ounces) butter
vanilla extract to taste

Equipment

Mixer
A hand mixer or stand mixer will make the job of mixing ingredients much easier and quicker. Ensure it has a low-speed option to avoid splashing flour everywhere.
Mixing Bowls
You'll need at least two – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls are ideal as they are easy to clean.
16cm (6.30 inch) Cake Pans
For even baking, it's crucial to use cake pans of the same size. Non-stick pans can save you time during cleanup.
Whisk
Although the mixer handles most of the work, having a whisk at hand helps to easily blend small quantities without overmixing.
Oven
An oven thermometer can help you ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature before baking.
Spatula
Useful for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls to ensure every bit of batter and cream is used.
Cling Film
Perfect for wrapping the cake layers, allowing them to cool and set in the refrigerator.

Instructions

Step 1

### Sponge biscuit

Step 2

1. **Mix all the dry ingredients**: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and baking powder. Tip: Sifting helps to remove lumps and aerates the ingredients for a lighter texture.

Step 3

2. **Prepare the fruits and nuts**: Mash the peeled banana with a fork and cut the pineapples into small pieces. Roast the walnuts in a pan and chop them lightly. Tip: Roasting the walnuts enhances their flavor.

Step 4

3. **Combine wet and dry ingredients**: Pour the vegetable oil into the flour mixture and mix with a whisk or at low speed with a mixer. Tip: Mixing on low speed prevents overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 5

4. **Add the eggs**: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each time thoroughly before adding the next.

Step 6

5. **Incorporate the fruits and nuts**: Add the mashed bananas, chopped pineapples, and roasted walnuts to the dough. Mix until just combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy and light.

Step 7

6. **Divide and bake**: Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Bake the cake layers in an oven preheated to 338°F (170°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Use a 6.3-inch (16 cm) diameter mold. Tip: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Step 8

7. **Cool and refrigerate**: Let the cake layers cool completely before removing them from the mold. Wrap the layers in cling film and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Tip: Chilling the layers makes them easier to handle when assembling the cake.

Step 9

### The Cream

Step 10

1. **Whip the butter and sugar**: Whip the softened butter with the powdered sugar until it is fluffy. Add the powdered sugar in parts for better consistency. Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for a smooth cream.

Step 11

2. **Add the cream cheese**: Add the cold cream cheese to the mixture and mix well until it is smooth and creamy. Tip: Cold cream cheese helps maintain the cream's firmness.

Step 12

### Assembly

Step 13

1. **Trim and frost**: Trim the crust off each sponge biscuit layer. Coat each layer generously with the cream. Tip: A serrated knife works best for trimming cake layers.

Step 14

2. **Finish**: Cover the entire cake with the cream. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. Tip: Chilling the cake helps the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier.

Servings

Here's where the fun truly begins! This banana pineapple sponge cake is an absolute hit no matter how you serve it. Why not make it the centerpiece of your afternoon tea party? 🍵 Arrange the slices on a beautiful tiered cake stand and serve with a selection of teas and coffee. If you're dining outdoors, pack this cake for a perfect picnic treat! Enjoy each bite surrounded by nature, with the fruity flavors complementing the fresh air. 🎂🍍 For a more indulgent option, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 🍨 Drizzle with some caramel sauce for that ultimate layer of lusciousness. Lastly, for a holiday touch, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and add some fresh pineapple slices or banana chips as a garnish. 🍌 This turns an already fabulous cake into a festive delight! No matter how you decide to serve this sensational cake, it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Variations

To make this tasty delight **gluten-free**, substitute the regular flour with **gluten-free all-purpose flour**. 🎂 Ensure you check all ingredient labels to confirm they are gluten-free. Going for a **vegan** version? 🌱 Swap out the **eggs** for **flax eggs** (mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes). Use **dairy-free cream cheese** and **vegan butter** for the cream. For the **sugar**, ensure it's a **vegan-friendly version**, as some sugars are processed with bone char. Your cake will still be vibrant, moist, and most importantly—tasty! 🎉

Faq

Why is my cake dense and not fluffy?
This could be due to overmixing the batter. Be gentle, especially when incorporating the wet and dry ingredients. Also, ensure your leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease your cake pans thoroughly with butter or oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure an easy release after baking.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, refrigerating the cake layers overnight helps to lock in moisture. You can also frost the cake on the day of serving if you prefer.
How do I get smooth and lump-free frosting?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. Sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps, and mix on a medium speed to avoid incorporating too much air.
Can I substitute the walnuts for another nut?
Yes, absolutely! Pecans or almonds make excellent alternatives. Just be sure to roast them first for that extra crunch and flavor.
How do I ensure an even bake for all layers?
If baking multiple layers at once, ensure your oven has even heat distribution. Rotating the pans halfway through the bake time can also help achieve uniformity.