Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake

Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite healthy treat: a delightful Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a generous protein boost, making it both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

You will love the moist texture and the rich, creamy hazelnut frosting. It is truly perfect for a wholesome dessert or an energizing snack any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake brings together amazing flavors and impressive health benefits.

• High Protein Boost: Enjoy a satisfying treat that helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling full. Research indicates that prioritizing protein in your diet can promote satiety and improve blood glucose responses.
• Naturally Sweet: Ripe bananas provide most of the sweetness, letting you reduce reliance on added sugars.
• Incredibly Moist & Flavorful: Every bite offers a tender crumb infused with rich banana and hazelnut notes.
• Easy to Make: Simple, straightforward steps ensure a rewarding baking experience, even for beginners.
• Healthier Indulgence: Savor a delicious dessert without any guilt, fitting perfectly into a balanced lifestyle.

Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake

Indulge in a wholesome Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake featuring a tender crumb and infused with roasted hazelnuts. Topped with a rich and creamy frosting made from butter and homemade Nutella, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet flavors and added protein, perfect for a guilt-free treat.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Baking

Servings 9 slices

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• 8×8 pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium large bowl
• Whisk
• Fine meshed sieve
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Toothpick

Ingredients

  

Cake

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 bananas mashed approximately 1 cup
• 2 eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1½ cup flour
• ¼ cup protein powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup roasted hazelnuts roughly chopped

Creamy Frosting

• ½ cup butter softened to room temperature
• ½ cup homemade Nutella
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp milk
• shaved chocolate and chopped hazelnuts to garnish

Instructions

 

Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F, then line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium-large bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, mashed banana, white sugar, and brown sugar.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, then whisk again until fully combined.
• Place a fine-meshed sieve over the bowl and add flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; tap the sieve to sift dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet until a smooth batter forms, then gently fold in the roughly chopped hazelnuts.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and firmly tap it to release any trapped air bubbles.
• Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost it.

Creamy Frosting

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat softened butter and homemade Nutella together until smooth and fluffy.
• Gradually add the icing sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Mix in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and milk, then beat again until the frosting is smooth.
• Remove the cooled cake from the pan and frost it with your desired amount of frosting; any leftover frosting can be frozen for later use.
• Finish the frosted cake by garnishing with additional chopped hazelnuts and shaved chocolate.

Notes

Leftover frosting can be frozen for future use.

Keyword Banana protein cake recipe, Hazelnut banana protein cake, Hazelnut cake with Nutella frosting, Healthy banana cake with frosting, High protein banana dessert, Protein dessert recipe

Ingredients

Making this delicious Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake requires simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand or can easily find.

Cake Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 bananas, mashed (approximately 1 cup)
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup protein powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Frosting Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup homemade Nutella
• 2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp milk
• Shaved chocolate and chopped hazelnuts to garnish

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. If you omit the protein powder, add an extra ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to maintain the cake’s structure.

For gluten-free options, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, oat flour, or almond flour. To make it dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and milk.

Always use very ripe, spotty bananas; they provide maximum sweetness and moisture, which is essential for the best flavor. Homemade Nutella enhances the frosting’s depth significantly.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes baking easy and enjoyable. You will need an 8×8 inch baking pan, lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

For mixing, a large bowl and a whisk are essential. A stand mixer or an electric hand mixer will make light work of the frosting. A fine-mesh sieve is optional but helpful for sifting dry ingredients smoothly.

Instructions

Creating this delightful Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these steps for a perfect bake every time.

Preparing the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy lifting, and set it aside.

In a medium-large bowl, combine the olive oil, mashed banana, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a whisk to vigorously combine these wet ingredients until they are smooth and well-incorporated.

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and whisk again until fully blended. Place a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl containing the wet ingredients.

Add the all-purpose flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the sieve. Gently tap the sieve with the heel of your hand to sift the dry ingredients over the wet mixture. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet until a smooth batter forms, being careful not to overmix.

Finally, fold in the roughly chopped roasted hazelnuts. Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Tap the pan firmly on your counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before you attempt to frost it. This is a crucial step for perfect frosting.

Making the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare your creamy hazelnut frosting. Add the softened butter and homemade Nutella to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the icing sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly. Finally, add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the milk. Beat again until the frosting is perfectly smooth and has a wonderfully spreadable consistency.

Assembling & Serving

Once the Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer the cake to a serving plate or board. Spread the creamy hazelnut frosting generously over the top of the cake. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create lovely swirls. Finish the cake by garnishing it with a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts and a scattering of elegant shaved chocolate. Slice your beautiful creation and serve immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake is easy with these simple tips.

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Always use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. They provide the most natural sweetness and essential moisture.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix the cake batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake.
• Toast Hazelnuts: Toasting nuts before adding them significantly enhances their nutty flavor and aroma.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and frosting.
• Cool Completely: It is essential to let the cake cool entirely before frosting. Warm cake will melt the frosting, creating a messy result.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake fits many occasions. Enjoy a slice for breakfast, providing an energizing start to your day. It also makes a fantastic post-workout snack, thanks to its satisfying protein content. Serve it as a wholesome and indulgent dessert after any meal. For an elevated treat, pair a slice with your favorite coffee or a comforting cup of tea.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your delicious cake stays fresh and enjoyable for longer.

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerator: For extended freshness, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices in an airtight container or wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake and personalize it!

• Frosting Alternatives: For an extra protein boost, try a Greek yogurt-based frosting. Alternatively, a rich chocolate ganache makes for a decadent twist.
• Add-ins: Experiment with adding chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries to the cake batter for varied textures and flavors.
• Spice it Up: Introduce a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warm, comforting spice.

Nutrition Information

This Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake offers a nutritious profile, making it a great choice for a healthier indulgence. Please remember that exact values can vary based on specific ingredients and any substitutions you make. This cake provides a good source of protein, helping you feel full and satisfied.

FAQ

Conclusion

We hope you are excited to try this delightful Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake! It perfectly balances flavor and nutrition, proving that healthy treats can be truly delicious.

This easy-to-make, customizable recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy dessert. We encourage you to whip up this satisfying Hazelnut Banana Protein Cake and share your wonderful experience with us!