Banana bread

Banana and Cocoa Cake - An Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Who can resist a cake with an intense banana flavor? This banana and cocoa cake recipe is not only simple but also offers a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will make you crave a slice every day! It is said that banana cakes are perfect for using overripe bananas, and we will transform these wonderful fruits into a dessert that will delight all your senses.

Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour
- ½ cup of sugar
- 4 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder

Necessary utensils

- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Fork
- Loaf pan
- Wooden spoon
- Scraper or spatula
- Preheated oven

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you have nuts, feel free to add them to the banana mixture for extra crunch and flavor.

2. Mashing the bananas: In a bowl, take the 4 ripe bananas and mash them with a fork until you get a smooth puree. If you want a chunkier texture, you can leave some larger pieces. This will add an interesting element to your cake!

3. Mixing butter and sugar: In another bowl, place the butter and sugar (including vanilla sugar) and mix for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes a fluffy cream. This is an important step, as the air incorporated into this mixture will help the cake rise.

4. Incorporating the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This step will ensure good emulsification, which will help the cake have a fine and even texture.

5. Adding the bananas: Incorporate the banana puree into the butter and egg mixture, continuing to mix. The flavors will begin to combine and fill the kitchen with a delicious aroma!

6. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This will help distribute the leavening agent evenly in the batter. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense cake.

7. Preparing the pan: Grease a loaf pan with margarine and dust it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

8. Preparing the cocoa batter: Take 3 tablespoons of the obtained batter and add the teaspoon of cocoa. Mix gently until well combined. This cocoa batter will add a beautiful color contrast and a deep flavor.

9. Assembling the cake: Pour half of the plain batter into the prepared pan. Then, slice the remaining banana into rounds and evenly arrange them on the batter. Pour the rest of the batter on top and finally add the cocoa batter, allowing it to gently swirl with the white batter using a fork. This step will create a very attractive marbled effect!

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cake in the oven and let it bake for 60 minutes. Check if it is done using the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is baked.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack. Slice it after it has completely cooled and enjoy the intense aroma of bananas and cocoa. It is wonderful served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce.

Useful Tips

- Nut variation: If you have nuts on hand, feel free to add half a cup to the batter. Combining bananas with nuts adds a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
- More intense cocoa: If you are a chocolate lover, you can add dark or milk chocolate chips to the batter. This will take the cake to another level of delight.
- Storing the cake: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it and freeze it to enjoy later.

Nutritional Benefits

This banana cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, which helps maintain heart health. They are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion. The butter adds healthy fats, and the sugar can be reduced according to personal taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.
- What other flavors can I add? You can add cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free? You can replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour, but make sure to adjust the liquid amounts according to the flour used.

In conclusion, this banana and cocoa cake is not just a quick and simple dessert but also an excellent way to use overripe bananas, making it a family favorite. Enjoy every slice and savor every bite!