Aunt Shirley’s Sugarless Banana Walnut Cake

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This week my Great-Aunt Shirley went to be with the Lord. She was remarkably witty and kind, and very much a part of my childhood. She was also a diabetic, although I never heard her complain. She and my grandmother were diligent in controlling the disease as much as possible with their diet. In her memory, I wanted to share one of her recipes. I think this is my first purposefully published sugar-free recipe; which seems befitting. And I’ll tell you what I love about it (besides that it came from my great-aunt), is that she didn’t try and substitute the sugar with something artificial. The bananas are the only sweetness, and the walnuts actually shine. I think it would be great served warm with a small pat of butter in the morning with your coffee. Or, depending on your GI intake, I might drizzle a small amount of honey (maybe a tablespoon or so for the whole cake – 9 servings) over the top while it is warm and can soak it up to represent more of a dessert to which we are accustomed. Enjoy.

As organic as possible:

2/3 cup mashed Bananas (approx 2)

1/2 cup Butter or Margarine, softened

3 Eggs

2 cups all-purpose Flour

2 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp ground Cinnamon

3/4 cup Water

1 cup Walnuts

In a mixing bowl, beat bananas and butter until creamy.

Add eggs and beat well.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon; add to banana mixture alternately wit water, beating well after each addition.

Stir in nuts.

Spoon into a greased 9 inch square baking pan.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool. Yield: 9 servings.

Because I just have to, here is a picture of my grandma (top left) with her brother and sisters, Aunt Shirley is top center.

And this is Aunt Shirley as I will always remember her.

 

16 comments

  1. What a lovely post Sadie. I was blessed to live across the street from Aunt Shirley during which time you were born. You being my first born, I was comforted Aunt Shirley was near and I often sought advice and sometimes just a visit to make sure I stayed awake. She will never be forgotten.
    I think her cake looks delicious!

  2. I’m so sorry to you and the family for your loss. I recently know someone who was diagnosed with diabetes, so thank you for posting this lovely recipe. I look forward to trying it.

    1. I hope you like it! For someone making the transition to sugar-free foods, the lack of sweetness is evident… but I think we are accustomed to overly sweetened foods in general, and I love that the ingredients take center stage!

  3. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Aunt, the cake is wonderful and I love that there is no sugar or sugar substitute. It looks moist and delicious. What a wonderful tribute to your Aunt!!

  4. God rest Auntie Shirley. … may she shine her sugar free light on you from above your whole life through. This cake. This cake is just droolingly delicious … I try to limit sugar and this is just so clearly delicious – when I have an oven again (its a story but hopefully next week), I’m making this because in addition to being the home of fried Ravioli, Grenoble is the walnut capitol of FRance. I will raise a slice to you and your family and particularly your wonderful now passed great Aunt.

  5. I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Aunt Shirley. The cake sounds like a wonderful way to cook a healthy substitute for all the sugary desserts out there. I’m glad you have some of her recipes to remember her by! xo

  6. This looks so good! You’ve got me dreaming of days when I will put more time towards baking again. School has me pretty occupied with worksheets etc right now… but your recipes are giving me relief from some pretty dry classes haha.

    Keep posting; everything looks soo good.

  7. I’m so sorry for your loss Sadie! How wonderful to share one of her recipes. I love that the bananas are the only thing sweetening the cake. Such a lovely and special recipe!

  8. Aw Sadie, so sad for you. I know you’ll miss her. Praying for you and your family as you grieve Aunt Shirley’s passing.
    The cake looks like one I need to incorporate for my friends.

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