Quieten your sweet tooth cravings with a healthier treat. The mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes are the ultimate comfort food. They're tender, moist, and packed with the flavors of banana and warm spices. The best part is that they're gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
This recipe calls for a few ingredients that you might not typically find in your pantry. The gluten-free baking mix and xanthan gum, which are essential for making the cakes gluten-free, are available in most supermarkets or health food stores. Xanthan gum is a common food additive that's used as a thickening agent, and it's important in gluten-free baking because it helps bind the ingredients together and creates a texture similar to that of traditional baked goods.
Ingredients for Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
Bananas: These add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
Dark brown sugar: It gives a deep, caramel flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps with the batter consistency.
Butter: Gives richness to the cakes.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent.
Vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Gluten-free baking mix: All-purpose gluten-free flour can be used.
Pecans: These add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Xanthan gum: Used to give the cakes a traditional texture.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to the cakes.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the cakes.
One reader, Julius Morey says:
These mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes are a delightful treat! The blend of ripe bananas and warm spices creates a rich, comforting flavor. The texture is moist and tender, and the pecans add a lovely crunch. Plus, they're perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
Preheat the oven: Set the temperature to 350 degrees F and allow the oven to preheat before baking the mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes.
Grease the muffin cups: Apply a small amount of butter or cooking spray to the 12 muffin cups to prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan.
Mix the wet ingredients: Combine the ripe bananas, dark brown sugar, milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract in a stand mixer until well blended.
Add the dry ingredients: Incorporate the gluten-free baking mix, pecans, xanthan gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined into a batter.
Pour the batter into the muffin cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full.
Sprinkle with brown sugar: After pouring the batter, sprinkle additional dark brown sugar over the top of each cake for added sweetness and texture.
Bake the coffee cakes: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the mini coffee cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, serve the delicious gluten-free banana coffee cakes and savor every bite!
How To Make Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
These easy-to-make mini banana coffee cakes are delightfully soft tea time treats, loaded with ripe bananas, gluten-free pancake mix, and crunchy pecans.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Wet Ingredients:
- 2ripe bananas,mashed
- ¾cupdark brown sugar,packed, optional
- ½cupmilk
- ½cupbutter,softened
- 1egg,beaten
- 1tspvanilla extract
For Dry Ingredients:
- 10cupsgluten-free baking mix,such as Bob’s Red Mill® Grain Pancake Mix
- ½cuppecans,chopped
- 1tspxanthan gum
- 1tspground cinnamon
- 1tspground nutmeg
- ½tspsalt
- ¼cupdark brown sugar,or to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups.
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Mix the bananas, ¾ cup of brown sugar, milk, butter, egg, and vanilla extract together in a stand mixer.
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Add the baking mix, pecans, xanthan gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and mix on low speed until just combined into a batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle additional brown sugar over the batter.
-
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before serving.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 600.01kcal
- Fat: 22.34g
- Saturated Fat: 7.13g
- Trans Fat: 0.75g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.38g
- Carbohydrates: 95.83g
- Fiber: 2.12g
- Sugar: 69.34g
- Protein: 5.97g
- Cholesterol: 34.68mg
- Sodium: 682.94mg
- Calcium: 224.19mg
- Potassium: 242.55mg
- Iron: 1.72mg
- Vitamin A: 75.85µg
- Vitamin C: 2.04mg
Helpful Technique for Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
When mashing the bananas, ensure they are fully ripe for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas are even better as they are sweeter and easier to mash. Also, when mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser, tougher cake. Just mix until the ingredients are just combined for a lighter, more tender crumb.
Time-Saving Tips for Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
Prep ahead: Prepare the wet and dry ingredients the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the wet and dry ingredients together, ensuring a smooth and well-combined batter.
Bake in batches: If your oven can't accommodate all the muffin cups at once, bake the coffee cakes in batches to save time and ensure even baking.
Silicone molds: Consider using silicone muffin molds for easy release and quick cleanup, saving time on greasing and washing traditional muffin tins.
Multi-task: While the coffee cakes are baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare other dishes to maximize efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes Recipe
gluten-free baking mix - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a great gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor and moist texture to baked goods.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle nutty flavor and works well in baking recipes.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a hint of coconut flavor to the coffee cakes.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water): Flaxseed egg is a vegan-friendly alternative that provides binding properties similar to eggs.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor to the coffee cakes.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the coffee cakes.
xanthan gum - Substitute with ground chia seeds: Ground chia seeds can act as a binding agent similar to xanthan gum in gluten-free baking.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with cardamom: Cardamom adds a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the bananas in the coffee cakes.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can be used as a substitute for nutmeg and adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the coffee cakes.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the coffee cakes.
Presenting Mini Banana Coffee Cakes
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and cocoa powder to add a touch of sophistication to the plate.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream to provide a creamy and luxurious element that contrasts with the moist and crumbly texture of the coffee cakes.
Utilize garnishes: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans and a dusting of powdered sugar around the plate to enhance the overall aesthetic and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
Pay attention to symmetry: Arrange the mini coffee cakes in a circular or linear pattern on the plate, ensuring that each element is thoughtfully placed to create a visually balanced presentation.
Consider the use of sauce: Drizzle a caramel sauce or chocolate ganache in an artistic manner to add a touch of decadence and flavor complexity to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a versatile kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It comes with various attachments for different tasks, making it a convenient tool for baking and cooking.
Muffin cups: Muffin cups, also known as cupcake liners, are paper or foil cups used to line muffin or cupcake pans. They prevent the batter from sticking to the pan and make for easy cleanup.
Baking mix: A baking mix is a pre-mixed blend of gluten-free flours and leavening agents, designed to simplify the process of baking gluten-free goods. It typically includes a combination of flours such as rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch.
Xanthan gum: Xanthan gum is a common gluten-free baking ingredient used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It helps improve the texture and structure of gluten-free baked goods.
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to puree, chop, blend, and mix ingredients. It's useful for quickly and efficiently processing nuts, fruits, and other ingredients for baking.
Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters. They come in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or plastic, and are a staple in any kitchen.
Muffin pan: A muffin pan, also known as a cupcake pan, is a specialized baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions used to bake muffins, cupcakes, and other small baked goods.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat. It is essential for baking the mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes to perfection.
Knife: A knife is a crucial tool for testing the doneness of baked goods. It is used to insert into the center of the cakes to check if they are fully baked.
Storing and Freezing Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes:
- Allow the banana coffee cakes to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making them soggy.
- To store at room temperature, place the cooled cakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess moisture. Store for up to 3 days.
- To refrigerate, wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cakes. Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the cakes from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Do not unwrap the cakes until they are fully thawed to prevent condensation from forming.
- To reheat, unwrap the cakes and place them on a baking sheet. Heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual cakes for 10-20 seconds until heated through.
- For best texture, consume the banana coffee cakes within a day of thawing or reheating. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.
How To Reheat Leftover Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
To reheat leftover mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coffee cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The foil will prevent the coffee cakes from drying out or becoming too brown on top.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place a single coffee cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds. If it's not warm enough, continue heating in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the coffee cake tough or rubbery.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the coffee cakes in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the coffee cakes directly on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your gluten-free banana coffee cakes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the coffee cakes in the basket, making sure they aren't touching each other. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and have a slightly crispy exterior.
For a moist and tender reheated coffee cake, try the steaming method. Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the coffee cakes in a steamer basket above the water, making sure they aren't touching the water. Cover the pot and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the coffee cakes are heated through.
Interesting Fact About Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
The recipe contains bananas and pecans, which are excellent sources of potassium and healthy fats, respectively.
Is Making Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes at Home Cost-Effective?
This gluten-free banana coffee cake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as bananas, brown sugar, and baking mix, are affordable and readily available. The addition of pecans may slightly increase the cost, but they contribute to the overall flavor and texture. Considering the yield and the relatively low cost of the ingredients, this recipe offers good value for a household. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Are Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for mini gluten-free banana coffee cakes is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, with ¾ cup of dark brown sugar in the wet ingredients and an additional ¼ cup sprinkled on top.
- The use of butter and whole milk adds saturated fat to the recipe.
- The gluten-free baking mix likely contains refined flours, which have fewer nutrients compared to whole grain flours.
- The recipe does not include any additional sources of fiber, such as whole grains or fruits, apart from the bananas.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects, such as the use of bananas, which provide potassium and fiber, and the inclusion of pecans, which offer healthy fats and nutrients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by using ½ cup of dark brown sugar in the wet ingredients and omitting the additional sugar sprinkled on top. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture.
- Use a gluten-free baking mix that includes whole grain flours, such as brown rice flour or almond flour, to increase the nutrient and fiber content.
- Incorporate additional sources of fiber by adding grated carrots or zucchini to the batter, or topping the cakes with fresh berries.
- Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond milk, to reduce the saturated fat content further.
Editor's Opinion on Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes
The combination of ripe bananas, dark brown sugar, and warm spices in this gluten-free banana coffee cake recipe creates a delightful treat. The addition of pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. However, I would suggest reducing the amount of baking mix to avoid a dense texture and adjusting the sweetness to balance the flavors. Overall, it's a promising recipe with potential for a delicious, moist, and flavorful mini coffee cake.
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Why trust this Mini Gluten-Free Banana Coffee Cakes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional coffee cake, with a focus on gluten-free ingredients for those with dietary restrictions. The combination of ripe bananas and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a rich, aromatic flavor profile. The addition of pecans provides a satisfying crunch, while the use of dark brown sugar adds depth and sweetness. With a moist and tender crumb, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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