Banana and chocolate cake

Banana and Chocolate Cake - A Moist and Flavorful Delight

I present to you a recipe for banana and chocolate cake that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every slice. This quick dessert is perfect for enjoying at breakfast, as a snack between meals, or even at a party. With a soft and moist texture, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of chocolate, making it a family favorite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Basic ingredients

1. 4 eggs
2. 1 ripe banana
3. 200 g flour
4. 120 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
5. 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
6. 1 packet vanilla sugar
7. ½ packet baking powder
8. A pinch of salt
9. 2 tablespoons warm water
10. 2 tablespoons melted butter (you can replace it with coconut oil for a healthier option)
11. 50 g dark chocolate, chopped
12. 50 g white chocolate, chopped

Step by step

1. Preheating the oven: Before you start, it is essential to preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is vital to ensure even baking of the cake.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients are the solid foundation on which our delight will be built. Mix them well with a whisk or spatula, so there are no lumps left.

3. Preparing the banana puree: In another bowl, mash the ripe banana until you get a smooth puree. This is essential for a moist and flavorful cake. The ripe banana will enhance its sweetness, so you won’t need too much sugar.

4. Combining the wet ingredients: Add the banana puree to the melted and cooled butter. Mix well until smooth. Here you can also add the two tablespoons of warm water, which will help achieve a fine texture for the batter.

5. Beating the eggs: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a stiff foam that doesn’t fall off the whisk. This will give the cake extra fluffiness. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water until they become a light-colored cream.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add the egg yolk mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well. Then, gently incorporate the banana puree until smooth.

7. Creating the cocoa mixture: Divide the batter into two bowls. In one of them, add the cocoa powder and mix until you achieve a uniform mixture.

8. The chocolate layer: In the cake pan, first pour in the cocoa batter. Sprinkle the chopped white chocolate on top, then add the plain batter, and finally sprinkle the dark chocolate. This layer of chocolate will create a pleasant visual effect and an irresistible taste!

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 45 minutes. It’s important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to keep the steam inside.

10. Checking for doneness: After 45 minutes, you can check if the cake is done using the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has sticky batter, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

11. Cooling and decorating: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can decorate it with melted chocolate or powdered sugar for an elegant and delicious look.

Useful tips

- The perfect banana: Choose very ripe bananas with peels full of black spots. These are the sweetest and will make the cake much tastier.
- Gluten-free option: You can use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version. Make sure to adjust the liquid amounts based on the type of flour used.
- Enhancing the flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the eggs?
Yes, you can use a mixture of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with water to replace the eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons of water = 1 egg).

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can freeze it for a longer period.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A cup of fragrant coffee or a warm herbal tea perfectly complements the flavors of this cake. Additionally, a glass of milk (whether cow or plant-based) is a classic accompaniment.

A personal note

This banana and chocolate cake recipe was recommended to me by a dear grandmother who used to make it on weekends. The aroma of baked bananas filled the entire house, and every slice was a joy. I promise that once you try this recipe, it will become a tradition in your family!

Conclusion

This banana and chocolate cake is not just a simple dessert but an experience full of flavor and nostalgia. Perfect for any occasion, it will bring a smile to your face every time you enjoy it. So put on an apron and let’s cook together!