Coffee and Banana Cake

Coffee and Banana Cake - a dessert that combines the enticing flavors of coffee with the natural sweetness of bananas, offering an unparalleled tasting experience. This recipe is perfect for sweet lovers looking for something special yet simple to make. Additionally, it is a wonderful choice for using bananas that have passed their peak ripeness.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 250 g sugar (about one cup)
- 1 lemon (for juice and zest)
- 3 large, ripe bananas
- 200 g raisins
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 250 g flour (about one cup)
- 250 g semolina
- 6 tablespoons coffee (about 150 ml)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup oil
- 2 packets baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Preparing the oven and baking pan: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure the cake bakes evenly. Prepare a baking pan (approximately 30x20 cm) by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking without risking it breaking.

2. Separating the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no trace of yolk gets into the egg whites, as they will not whip well in the presence of fat.

3. Whipping the egg whites: Using a mixer or a whisk, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon juice. This will help stabilize the meringue. Continue to beat until you achieve a firm foam that forms peaks when you lift the whisk.

4. Preparing the mixture: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Here, you can add the rum essence, vanilla essence, grated lemon zest, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Incorporating dry ingredients: Gradually add the semolina and flour, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important not to overmix, as this can make the mixture dense.

6. Adding liquid ingredients: Slowly incorporate the oil and water, mixing gently. Finally, add the lemon juice mixed with the baking powder, which will help the cake rise beautifully.

7. Adding bananas and raisins: Slice the bananas into rounds or small cubes and add them to the mixture along with the raisins. These will provide a natural flavor and pleasant moisture to the cake.

8. Incorporating whipped egg whites: Add the whipped egg whites to the mixture, carefully folding them in with an up-and-down motion to avoid losing air from the egg whites. This step is crucial for the cake to be fluffy.

9. Baking the cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes. It is recommended to check the cake after 25 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cut the cake into squares and decorate it with powdered sugar, banana slices, and raisins for a more appealing look.

Serving suggestions: The coffee and banana cake is delicious served as is, but you can also accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These additions will provide a pleasant contrast of texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen bananas? It is preferable to use fresh bananas, but if you have frozen bananas, make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the mixture.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g and add a bit of stevia extract to maintain sweetness.
- Can it be made gluten-free? You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour, but the texture will be different.

Nutritional benefits: The coffee and banana cake contains valuable nutrients, such as potassium from bananas, antioxidants from coffee, and protein from eggs. It is a good option for an energizing snack and can be enjoyed in moderation.

This dessert is not only easy to prepare but will also bring a touch of joy to your table. You can impress your family and friends with the coffee and banana cake, a delight that will surely be appreciated! Whether you serve it at a party or simply as a delicious snack, it is a safe choice that will bring smiles. Don't forget to share your impressions!