Banana and chocolate cake (vegan)

Banana and Chocolate Cake (Vegan) – A Compromise-Free Delight

Welcome to the sweet world of cakes! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious banana and chocolate cake, perfect for those days when you want to enjoy a special dessert without animal-derived ingredients. It is a simple, quick recipe that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes it. This cake not only spreads an irresistible aroma but also provides considerable nutritional value due to its natural ingredients.

Total time: 60 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 ripe bananas (approximately 550 g without peel) – Bananas add moisture and a natural sweet taste, being the perfect base for this cake.
- 300 g dark chocolate (high cocoa percentage) – Make sure the chocolate is vegan by checking the ingredients.
- 280 g flour – Use either white or whole grain flour, depending on your preference.
- 75 ml sparkling mineral water – This will make the base fluffier and airier.
- 2 tablespoons oil – Sunflower or coconut oil are the best choices.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional) – Helps with texture rise.

Filling (optional):
- 250 g prune jam – Adds extra sweetness and flavor. If you don’t like prune jam, you can substitute it with peach marmalade or another type of jam.

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons oil

For decoration:
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice – Helps stabilize the caramel.

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cake.

Step 2: Melting the chocolate
In a heat-resistant bowl, melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Make sure the water in the pot does not touch the bowl with the chocolate; otherwise, it will burn. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Step 3: Mashing the bananas
Using a hand mixer, mash the bananas until you obtain a uniform puree. It is important that the bananas are well-ripened, as they will provide sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Add the melted chocolate over the banana puree and mix well. Then, pour in the sparkling water and oil, continuing to mix until smooth. Finally, add the flour (which has been mixed with the baking powder, if you choose to use it) and mix gently, avoiding lumps.

Step 5: Baking the base
Pour the obtained mixture into a cake pan (24 cm) lined with baking paper. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

Step 6: Cooling and assembling
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, cut the cake in half horizontally. Between the two layers, add a generous layer of prune jam to enrich the flavor.

Step 7: Preparing the glaze
For the glaze, melt the dark chocolate together with the oil over a double boiler. Mix well until you get a smooth and shiny mixture. Pour the glaze over the filled cake, letting it drip gently over the edges.

Step 8: Caramel decoration
To create a spectacular decoration, put the sugar together with the vinegar in a non-stick pan over low heat. Let the sugar caramelize without stirring until it turns golden. Turn off the heat and stir gently. Using a fork, dip it in the caramel and flick it over a sheet of baking paper to create caramel threads. Repeat the process until you finish the caramelized sugar. Roll the obtained threads and decorate the cake with them.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can use a fork or a blender; just make sure to get a fine banana puree.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. You can serve it both cold and at room temperature.
- Vary the jam: try strawberry or raspberry jam for a different taste.
- You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the base mixture for extra texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This banana and chocolate cake is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, vitamins B6 and C, while dark chocolate contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can the recipe be adapted to include eggs?
Yes, if you want a richer texture, you can add 2-3 eggs to the mixture.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Of course! But keep in mind that the cake will be sweeter.
3. How can I make the cake fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can make the cake dense.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result – a banana and chocolate cake that will impress even the most discerning dessert lovers. Enjoy!