Guguluf with bananas and cocoa

Banana and Cocoa Guguluf: A Moist and Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking, where every recipe tells a story! Today, we will embark on the preparation of a banana and cocoa guguluf, a moist, fluffy cake full of flavor, perfect for any time of the day. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with aromas, and the ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness that perfectly blends with the cocoa.

A bit of history: Guguluf is a classic cake known for its distinct shape, achieved in special molds. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, and recipes have evolved over the years, adapting to available ingredients and preferred tastes. This version with bananas and cocoa adds a modern and delicious twist, perfect for dessert lovers.

Ingredients:

For this guguluf, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup yogurt
- ½ package butter (about 100 g), melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Notes on ingredients:

- Bananas: Choose well-ripened bananas with brown spots on the peel, as these are the sweetest and will provide a more flavorful puree.
- Cocoa: Use high-quality cocoa to achieve an intense chocolate flavor.
- Yogurt: You can use plain or Greek yogurt, depending on your preference. Yogurt adds extra moisture to the cake.

Step by step: How to prepare the banana and cocoa guguluf

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for better integration into the batter.

2. Prepare the banana puree: In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or blender until you achieve a smooth puree. This will be the moist base of the guguluf.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, add the banana puree, eggs, oil, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential to avoid clumps and ensure a fine texture for the guguluf.

5. Combining the ingredients: Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ones, mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed. Slowly add the warm water, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and glossy.

6. Preparing the mold: Grease a guguluf pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Make sure to cover all corners well.

7. Pouring the batter: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. You are now on your way to creating a delight!

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the guguluf for 50-60 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).

9. Cooling: After the guguluf is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

10. Serving: Before serving, dust the guguluf with powdered sugar for an elegant look. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Practical tips:

- Nut variation: If you want a crunchy texture, add ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter before baking.
- Keeping moisture: Store the guguluf wrapped in a damp towel or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Freezing: The guguluf can be frozen. Slice it, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Nutritional benefits:

This banana and cocoa guguluf is not only delicious but also brings some nutritional benefits. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamins, while cocoa contains antioxidants that may improve cardiovascular health. Yogurt provides protein and probiotics, contributing to healthy digestion. However, it is important to consume the cake in moderation, considering its sugar and calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a healthier guguluf.
2. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener? Yes, you can experiment with natural sweeteners, but adjust the quantities according to their usage instructions.
3. How can I flavor the guguluf? Add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor.

Share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy the moments spent together, savoring a slice of banana and cocoa guguluf! This recipe is not just a dessert; it is a cooking experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!