Colombian Fresh Banana Cake

Cake mix plus Coca-Cola plus ripe bananas? Sounds wild, but this Colombian-inspired banana cake actually works, and it works well.

The cola replaces the liquid you’d normally add to a box mix, and its carbonation gives the crumb a lift while adding a subtle caramel sweetness that plays off the bananas.

Lemon juice keeps the mashed banana bright, chopped nuts add crunch, and the whole thing bakes into a single-layer sheet cake that feeds 12 easily.

Frost it however you like, cream cheese frosting being the obvious winner here.

Variations

• Chocolate cola version: Swap the yellow cake mix for chocolate and use dark cola for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Tropical twist: Fold in shredded coconut along with the nuts and frost with a coconut cream frosting.

Kitchen Tips

• Stir the cola briskly until the foaming stops before adding it to the batter. Too much fizz throws off the mixing and creates uneven texture.
• Use truly ripe bananas, the ones with lots of brown spots. They mash smoother and deliver way more banana flavor than yellow ones.
• Don’t overmix once the bananas are in. A minute at medium speed is plenty. Overbeating develops gluten and makes the cake tough.