Banana and walnut cake

Banana and walnut cake - a delicious recipe to transform simple ingredients into something truly special. This recipe is not only a great opportunity to use ripe bananas and leftover walnuts, but also a wonderful way to fill your home with enticing aromas of sweetness and toasted nuts. So, let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 ripe banana
- A handful of walnut kernels (about 100g)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the banana is well-ripened, as its sweetness will contribute to the final taste of the cake. The walnut kernels should be fresh, and if you prefer a more intense flavor, you can lightly toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes until golden.

2. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving even baking.

3. Preparing the base mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and oil until you achieve a frothy and creamy mixture. It is important that the sugar dissolves well to avoid graininess.

4. Adding the flour:
Gradually fold the flour into the egg yolk mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or whisk. It is recommended to sift the flour before adding it to avoid lumps.

5. Beating the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the vanilla sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This is a crucial step to give the cake a fluffy texture.

6. Combining the mixtures:
Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the egg whites. Mix only until the ingredients are well combined.

7. Forming the cake:
Pour more than half of the obtained mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper or greased with oil. Arrange the banana slices evenly over the mixture, followed by the walnut kernels.

8. Adding cocoa:
In the remaining mixture, add the cocoa powder and mix gently until well combined. Pour this cocoa mixture over the bananas and walnuts already placed in the pan, creating a marbled effect.

9. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

10. Cooling and serving:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
The banana and walnut cake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast. Additionally, a cup of coffee or hot tea can perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Therefore, it is a dessert that can be enjoyed without guilt.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
Of course! Grated apples, peaches, or even blueberries are excellent alternatives.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar used and rely on the natural sweetness of the bananas.

- What should I do if I don't have walnut kernels?
You can replace the walnuts with almonds or omit this ingredient altogether.

Possible variations:
For an even more intense cake flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the egg yolk mixture. You can also experiment with different flavor extracts, such as vanilla or almond.

The banana and walnut cake is more than just a dessert; it is an opportunity to create memories and pleasant moments with loved ones. So, get ready to spread joy and enjoy every slice!