Cake If You Don't Have Eggs :)) (no. 200)

Dessert "If You Don't Have Eggs" – a delicious and surprising cake

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I will present to you a captivating recipe, ideal for moments when you don't have eggs on hand or when you want to try a vegan version of your favorite dessert. This cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty, and its secret lies in using ripe bananas as a substitute for eggs. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 3 large, well-ripened bananas
- 225 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 200 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 200 ml soy milk or water
- 15 g baking powder
- 450 g flour
- 300 g apricots (fresh or canned) and blueberries (optional)

Step-by-step guide:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the bananas are very ripe, with brown spots on their skin, as these are the sweetest and most flavorful. You can also use other fruits, such as peaches, apples, or even nuts for added texture.

2. Mashing the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas using a fork or a blender. Make sure to achieve a smooth and homogeneous paste, without large chunks.

3. Adding the sugar: Add the sugar and vanilla sugar to the bowl with the mashed bananas. Mix at high speed until the mixture becomes creamy and well incorporated. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

4. Incorporating the oil: Gradually add the oil in a thin stream, mixing continuously. It is important to do this slowly to emulsify the oil with the other ingredients, just like you would with mayonnaise.

5. The milk or water: Continue by adding the soy milk or water, also in a thin stream, mixing constantly. The vanilla essence can be added at this point to enhance the cake's aroma.

6. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the mixture. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

7. Adding the fruits: If you chose to use apricots and blueberries, now is the time to add them. Cut the apricots in half or quarters, depending on their size, and incorporate them into the cake mixture along with the blueberries.

8. Preparing the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 35x45 cm tray with a little oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

9. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will have a golden crust and a tempting aroma.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with sugar, especially if the fruits used are tart, to balance the flavor.

Serving suggestions: This cake is perfect to be enjoyed plain, but you can also serve it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast. Additionally, add some fresh fruits for an attractive appearance and an extra burst of flavor.

Possible variations: Experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries, mangoes, or even nuts and seeds to add texture. You can replace some of the flour with almond flour or whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is rich in fiber due to the bananas and added fruits. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin B6, and using olive or sunflower oil contributes to the intake of healthy fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use less ripe bananas? Very ripe bananas are ideal for sweetness and flavor, but you can also use less ripe bananas, just keep in mind that the cake will not be as sweet.
2. Can I replace the oil with butter? Yes, you can use melted butter, but keep in mind that the cake will become richer in calories and saturated fats.
3. How can I store the cake? The cake stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

This "If You Don't Have Eggs" cake recipe is a true treasure in the kitchen, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it and put your personal touch on it by adding your favorite ingredients. Cooking is an art and a way to express love, so enjoy every step of the process! Bon appétit!