Banana Loaf Cake

I was so excited to see a dessert book by Nick Malgieri called Perfect Light Desserts in my local library. I checked it out and couldn't wait to try out some of the recipes. The first one I tried was this one for Banana Loaf Cake. I had over ripe bananas on hand so it was a perfect choice.

I try to eat as healthy as I possibly can by eating clean foods. But I love baking so it's hard not to indulge sometimes. All the recipes in Perfect Light Desserts are all under 300 calories per serving. I won't have to feel as guilty when I eat something sweet now. And it won't totally derail my way of eating. Hope you enjoy and happy baking!!!

"No matter what type of banana cake you're making, one thing is essential: The bananas have to be really ripe or you might as well use potatoes. Of course, many of us don't get the urge to make a banana-flavored cake or bread until we have some overripe bananas hanging around. If you have to buy the bananas especially for a baking project, let them ripen at least until they are covered with spots. I even like them a little beyond that point for a really rich banana flavor. Another key to excellent banana flavor is to mash them with a fork or potato masher instead of pureeing them in a food processor or blender. Hand-mashing leaves behind small pieces of banana that pack a lot of flavor."

2 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour (spoon flour into dry-measure cup and level off)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 5 large, very ripe bananas, mashed, then measured)

One 9x5x3-inch loaf pan, sprayed with vegetable cooking spray and the sprayed surface coated with fine, dry bread crumbs.

1. Set a rack in the middle level of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

2. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites to break them up, then whisk in the granulated sugar and the brown sugar.

4. Whisk in the butter and vanilla, followed by the mashed bananas.

5. Sift the flour mixture over the banana mixture and thoroughly fold it in.

6. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake the cake for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.

8. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes, then unmold it and cool completely on a rack.

SERVING: This cake is excellent unadorned, or it can be spread with a little-low fat cream cheese.

STORAGE: Keep the cake wrapped in plastic at room temperature after it has cooled; For longer storage, double-wrap and freeze for up to a month. Defrost and bring to room temperature before serving.

Per 3/4-inch slice:
Calories: 275
Total fat: 4g (13% of calories)
Saturated fat: 2g
Protein: 5g
Carb: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 9mg
Sodium: 228mg