Pomegranate and Banana Cake

Pomegranate and Banana Cake – A Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

A fluffy cake with pomegranates and bananas is an excellent choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert, which is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe is a perfect combination of the natural sweetness of bananas and the pleasant acidity of pomegranates, offering a fluffy texture and a unique taste.

Ingredients needed:

- 1 cup of sweet pomegranate seeds (about one large pomegranate)
- 2 cups of flour
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder (activated with lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of banana puree (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/3 cup of corn or sunflower oil
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of ground almonds (or crushed pistachios)
- Zest of one orange

Preparation:

1. Preparing the pomegranate seeds: Start by peeling the pomegranate. Cut the pomegranate in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, ensuring you collect all the juice in a bowl. These seeds not only add a delicious taste but also a colorful touch to your cake.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and baking powder activated with lemon juice. Mix these ingredients well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is essential for proper rising.

3. Preparing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, lightly beat the egg, then add the banana puree, oil, and milk. These wet ingredients will make your cake soft and fluffy.

4. Combining the mixtures: Add the wet ingredient mixture to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix gently, without overmixing, to avoid developing gluten from the flour, which would lead to a denser cake.

5. Adding the pomegranate seeds and almonds: Once the mixture is well combined, fold in the pomegranate seeds and ground almonds. This will add not only a unique flavor but also a pleasant crunch.

6. Preparing the pans: Grease two 20/10 cm loaf pans with oil and sprinkle a little flour on them to prevent sticking. Divide the mixture evenly between the two pans and sprinkle some almond and pomegranate seeds on top for an attractive appearance.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the pans in the oven and let them bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s time to take it out.

8. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to prevent condensation and maintain a fluffy texture.

9. Serving: You can serve the cake plain or with a drizzle of honey or Greek yogurt. Start your day with a slice of this goodness or enjoy it alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee.

Practical tips:

- Pomegranate: Choose a heavy and full pomegranate with smooth skin. This indicates it is filled with seeds.
- Bananas: Make sure the bananas are well-ripened, as they will provide the best puree and enhance the sweetness of the cake.
- Almonds or pistachios: You can experiment with different types of nuts or seeds. Crushed pistachios will add a salty note that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the pomegranate and bananas.
- Variations: Instead of almonds, you can use pecans or walnuts for a different flavor.

Nutritional information:
This recipe offers an excellent source of fiber from bananas and pomegranates, with a moderate calorie content. Each serving has about 200 calories, making it an ideal choice for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different variation.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake freezes well. You can slice it and wrap it individually for later reheating.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture will add a warm and comforting aroma.

Pomegranate and banana cake is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and health to your table. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy your meal!