An ingredient that always brings back memories of my beautiful homeland, Ecuador, is the humble plantain. My mother—who still lives there—used to make plantain treats all the time, and those flavors are part of my earliest memories. Each year around Mother’s Day I think of her even more, so I made this Plantain Cake as a small tribute to her.
This Plantain Cake is a simple Latin American-style bake that works for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or a light dessert. It uses just eight ingredients and comes together quickly in a blender, so it’s great for busy mornings or when you want a nutritious, comforting treat.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and I’ve included unflavored collagen peptides for an extra protein boost. Collagen dissolves easily and is flavorless, so it mixes into coffee, smoothies, baked goods, or dressings without changing texture or taste. Since collagen production naturally declines with age, adding a supplemental source can support skin, hair, and nail health for some people. My partner and I take it daily and we’ve noticed improvements in hair strength and nail resilience.
Why plantains are a great choice
Plantains are a nutritious, starchy fruit similar to bananas in many ways. They are a good source of potassium and magnesium, and they provide complex carbohydrates that help satisfy cravings for natural starches. Their firm, starchy texture also makes them a versatile baking ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean recipes.
Health highlights of plantains
- High in potassium
- Support healthy digestion
- Contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals
- Support immune function
- Contribute to healthy brain function
- Provide magnesium, an important mineral for many bodily processes
Beyond nutrition, plantains add a naturally sweet, satisfying starchiness to this cake that makes each slice comforting and filling. I hope you enjoy this plantain-based recipe—it’s a little piece of Ecuadorian flavor that also feeds the body.
Plantain Cake
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- Author: Mariel Lewis
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 16 squares
Description
This easy Plantain Cake is a nutritious Latin American treat—gluten-free and dairy-free—that can be enjoyed any time of day. It blends quickly in a high-speed blender and bakes into a moist, slightly sweet cake packed with natural flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 plantains, peeled and diced
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup unflavored collagen peptides
- 1/4 cup ghee (plus 1 tbsp for greasing)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ x 9″ baking dish with 1 tablespoon ghee and set aside.
- Place the diced plantains, eggs, collagen peptides, ghee, honey, vanilla, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly, slice into squares, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and variations
- For a sweeter cake, add a little more honey or top slices with a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.
- To boost texture, fold in a handful of chopped toasted nuts or shredded coconut before baking.
- Make it nut-free by making sure your collagen and other ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility if needed.
- To serve, pair slices with fresh fruit, yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative), or a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or a snack.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual squares briefly in the microwave or enjoy cold. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
Other Paleo plantain recipes you’ll love:
- Paleo Plantain Waffles
- Plantain Boats with Spicy Beef
- Patacones (like plantain chips, but better)
