Why banana and hazelnut work together
Yes, banana and hazelnut go well together. Toasted hazelnuts have a warm, slightly sweet, buttery flavor that suits the mellow sweetness of ripe banana, and the combination is a familiar one in desserts that pair banana with chocolate-hazelnut spread. Chocolate sits comfortably between the two, which is why this cake finishes with a chocolate-hazelnut glaze.
Competitor recipes often build tall layered cakes with hazelnut buttercream and praline. This version is a single-layer cake, so it is easier and still feels special.
Ingredients
This makes one 9-inch (23 cm) round cake.
Cake
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) finely ground toasted hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe banana (about 3 large)
- 1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze and topping
- 1/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 to 2 tablespoons warm cream or milk
- 1/3 cup roughly chopped toasted hazelnuts
Toasting and skinning hazelnuts
Spread raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, until fragrant and the skins begin to crack. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel for a minute or two, then rub to remove most of the skins. A little skin left behind is fine. Cool completely before grinding. When grinding, pulse in short bursts, as the nuts can turn into paste. Our nut torte recipes go deeper on grinding and baking with hazelnuts.
Making the cake
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round pan.
- Whisk the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking soda, baking powder and salt together.
- Beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
- Mix in the mashed banana and sour cream. The batter may look slightly curdled; that is normal.
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread in the pan and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn out onto a rack.
Chocolate-hazelnut glaze
Warm the spread gently in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir in the cream, a spoonful at a time, until it is pourable but still thick. Spoon over the cooled cake and sprinkle with the chopped hazelnuts. For a glossier finish, a caramel ganache also works. If you prefer a banana flavor, use our easy banana frosting and scatter nuts on top.
Tips for a moist cake
- Use very ripe bananas and measure the mash.
- Do not overmix once the flour goes in.
- Pull the cake when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs, not when it is completely dry.
- Sour cream or yogurt adds tenderness.
- Cool the cake before glazing so the glaze does not melt off.
Variations
- Hazelnut banana bread: hazelnuts are a good addition to banana bread. Fold chopped toasted nuts into the batter and bake in a loaf pan for about 55 to 65 minutes.
- Using a cake mix: you can mix mashed banana into a box cake mix, replacing part of the liquid. Results vary, so start with a small amount and follow package directions.
- Gluten-free: swap the flour for a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend, as in our gluten-free banana cake, and check the label on the spread.
- Layered cake: double the batter, bake in two 8-inch pans and sandwich with banana or hazelnut buttercream.
Storage
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for longer if it has a dairy-based frosting. Bring chilled slices to room temperature before serving.
Nut allergy note
Hazelnuts are tree nuts and a common allergen. If you are serving guests, tell them about the nuts, and check that the chocolate spread was not made on equipment shared with other allergens if that matters to someone.
FAQ
Do banana and hazelnut go together? Yes, the flavors complement each other, especially when the hazelnuts are toasted.
What is the secret to a moist banana cake? Very ripe bananas, a bit of sour cream or yogurt, and not overbaking.
Are hazelnuts good in banana bread? Yes. Chopped toasted hazelnuts add crunch and flavor.
Can I put bananas in a box cake mix? Many bakers do, usually replacing some of the liquid or oil with mashed banana. Test with a small amount first.