Banana cake

Banana and White Chocolate Cake – an easy recipe, perfect for special occasions!

Cooking is an art, and making a cake can be one of the most satisfying experiences in the kitchen. The banana and white chocolate cake is an excellent choice for celebrations, especially for New Year's Eve, when we want to bring a touch of sweetness and joy into the lives of our loved ones. This recipe is not only simple but also full of delicious flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients needed:

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa

For the white chocolate cream:
- 250 g whipped cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of grated white chocolate
- 4 bananas (preferably well-ripened)

For the syrup:
- 100 g sugar
- 1 cup of water

For the chocolate glaze:
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 3 tablespoons cold milk
- 5-6 tablespoons of melted margarine
- Cherries or sour cherries from compote for decoration

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base. Make sure to use eggs at room temperature for the best results.

2. Adding the dry ingredients
Sift the flour and cocoa over the egg and sugar mixture. Begin mixing with a spatula or a mixer on low speed, being careful not to lose the volume achieved. When the ingredients are well integrated, pour the mixture into a greased and floured cake pan.

3. Baking the base
Leave the cake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean). Once done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely.

4. Preparing the syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with water and boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.

5. White chocolate cream
In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the grated white chocolate until you get a smooth mixture. Gradually add the whipped cream, being careful to mix gently to maintain the airy consistency.

6. Assembling the cake
Cut the base in half. Soak the first half with the prepared syrup, then spread the white chocolate cream evenly. Add the sliced bananas lengthwise and cover with the second half of the base.

7. Preparing the glaze
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar with cocoa, then add the cold milk and melted margarine. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and shiny glaze. Pour the glaze over the assembled cake and let it set.

8. Decorating the cake
For a festive look, use a special cream syringe to decorate the cake with the remaining cream. Add cherries or sour cherries from compote for a pop of vibrant color and a tart flavor that will beautifully contrast with the sweetness of the bananas.

9. Cooling and serving
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. When you're ready to serve, use a clean knife after each cut to achieve beautiful, even slices.

Practical tips:
- Choose well-ripened bananas for a more intense flavor and softer texture.
- You can substitute white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer version.
- If you want a touch of originality, you can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the white chocolate cream.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a glass of sweet wine for a refined experience.

Nutritional information:
This cake is relatively high in calories due to its sugar and fat content. A serving has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. However, bananas provide important nutritional benefits, being rich in potassium, vitamins, and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will vary.
- How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

This banana and white chocolate cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings smiles and joy to the faces of loved ones. Give it a chance and turn your meals into special moments!