Indulge in this uniquely flavored sesame, date, and banana cake, inspired by the rich, layered flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas and medjool dates pairs beautifully with nutty tahini, while a touch of orange juice brings a subtle brightness. Topped with a creamy tahini-infused cream cheese frosting and adorned with caramelized banana slices, this cake is perfect for those seeking a twist on the classic banana bread. It’s moist, deliciously complex, and an elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 50g hulled tahini
- 75ml orange juice (from approx. 1 large orange)
- 140g medjool dates, pitted and quartered (about 8 dates)
- 240g very ripe bananas (about 2-3), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 113g unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into 2cm pieces (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 200g plain flour, sifted
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 130g cream cheese, at room temperature
- 130g mascarpone, at room temperature
- 35g light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 55g hulled tahini
For the Caramelized Banana:
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into 1cm-thick slices
- 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of date syrup, perfect for a sweet drizzle.
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a small bowl, combine the tahini and orange juice.
- Add the quartered dates and sliced bananas, stirring gently to coat.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Carefully incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until they are just combined.
- Add the tahini-orange juice mixture with the dates and bananas, then fold in the toasted sesame seeds.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, then use a spatula to level the surface evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone, light brown sugar, and tahini.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to frost the cake.
Caramelize the Banana :
- Place the banana slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with demerara sugar and drizzle with date syrup.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the bananas are caramelized and golden. Let cool.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the tahini cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Arrange the caramelized banana slices on top for decoration, and drizzle with additional date syrup if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this decadent sesame, date, and banana cake as a dessert or indulgent treat.
Conclusion:
This sesame, date, and banana cake is a fusion of rich textures and unique flavors that elevate a simple banana cake into something truly special. The tahini cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, nutty layer that complements the caramelized bananas and dates, making each bite a delightful experience. Serve this cake for any occasion and enjoy the balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and tang.
Sesame, Date & Banana Cake with Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist and flavorful banana cake with dates,sesame, and a tahini cream cheese frosting, topped with caramelized bananaslices for a decadent finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 50 g hulled tahini
- 75 ml orange juice from approx. 1 large orange
- 140 g medjool dates pitted and quartered (about 8 dates)
- 240 g very ripe bananas about 2-3, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- 113 g unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into 2cm pieces (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 150 g caster sugar
- 2 eggs beaten
- 200 g plain flour sifted
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
For the Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 130 g cream cheese at room temperature
- 130 g mascarpone at room temperature
- 35 g light brown sugar lightly packed
- 55 g hulled tahini
For the Caramelized Banana:
- 1 ripe banana peeled and cut into 1cm-thick slices
- 1 tablespoon demerara sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of date syrup perfect for a sweet drizzle.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a small bowl, combine the tahini and orange juice.
- Add the quartered dates and sliced bananas, stirring gently to coat.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Carefully incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until they are just combined.
- Add the tahini-orange juice mixture with the dates and bananas, then fold in the toasted sesame seeds.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, then use a spatula to level the surface evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Tahini Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone, light brown sugar, and tahini.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to frost the cake.
Caramelize the Banana :
- Place the banana slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with demerara sugar and drizzle with date syrup.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the bananas are caramelized and golden. Let cool.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the tahini cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Arrange the caramelized banana slices on top for decoration, and drizzle with additional date syrup if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this decadent sesame, date, and banana cake as a dessert or indulgent treat.