Keke Fa'i

Keke Fa'i (Samoan Banana Cake)

Keke Fa'i is a beloved Samoan banana cake, soft and fragrant with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This is a home-style version using everyday pantry ingredients.

Prep

15 min

Cook

55 min

Total

70 min

Serves

8

Difficulty

Easy

Recipe ingredients

• •250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• •10 g (2 tsp) baking powder
• •1 g (¼ tsp) salt
• •200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• •115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened; or coconut oil for a more Samoan-style flavor
• •2 whole (2 large) eggs
• •120 ml (½ cup) whole milk, coconut milk is the traditional choice if available
• •1 tsp vanilla extract
• •300 g (about 2 large) ripe bananas, very ripe, peeled and mashed
• •30 g (2 tbsp) shredded coconut, optional, for topping

Steps

1. 1 Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour a 22 cm (9-inch) round or loaf pan.
2. 2 In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. 3 In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes by hand or with an electric mixer.
4. 4 Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla until smooth.
5. 5 Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined - do not overmix.
6. 6 Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with shredded coconut if using.
7. 7 Bake on the middle rack for 50-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Internal temperature should read at least 95°C (200°F).
8. 8 Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. 9 Serve at room temperature. Keke fa'i is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of Samoan tea or as a sweet snack any time of day.