The Baker baby turned one last week and of course his Mama Baker Hugo had to make it a 'lil birthday cake. I dreamed up this one for a while and it was the perfect little semi-sweet confection for my little man. I really did not give it some something sweet great because it does not know the difference and it was his first nothing sweet I thought he would be happy anyway. (Spoiler Alert- he was!)
This cake is full of sweet ripe bananas and crushed pineapple. I also used a touch of maple syrup to make the cake slightly sweet but not too much . glazing is a simple cream cheese with maple syrup, just enough to make it a little soft and perfectly complement the cake. I did it in a sheet pan and use a round cookie butter to eradicate 3 layers for Hugo cake, then froze the rest. I actually made him one for his actual birthday, (for he was the first in his party) then saved others to make cakes for some of his friends turning a later this month! They are so easy to thaw and freeze several hours before you are ready to use.
See, I told you he loved it! .... Smash !!!
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (wheat pastry flour also work!)
- ½ teaspoon soda coffee
- ½ teaspoon salt
- cinnamon ½ teaspoon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 egg plus 1 yellow
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- extract ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple
- 1 cup mashed banana
- cream cheese 4 oz maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons
- in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Make a well in the center and add the egg, yellow, syrup, vanilla and oil. Whisk until combined. Stir in pineapple and mashed banana.
- Pour in a quarter sheet pan greased (a 9x13 pan also do.)
- Bake at 350F for 20-30 minutes (depending on pan you are using) or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean.
- Once cooled, cut the cake layers and keep refrigerated or frozen until frost.
- Beat the cream cheese until soft and creamy. Gradually add the maple syrup until frosting reaches your desired sweetness.
- gel cake as desire and store in refrigerator until just before serving.