Nigella’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is made of ripe bananas, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla this moist and rich cake serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake.
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💓 Why You’ll Love This Chocolate And Banana Cake Recipe:
- Moist Texture: The bananas keep the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and optional chocolate chips add a deep chocolate taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and ripe bananas.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in about an hour, perfect for last-minute desserts.
- Delicious Frosting: Creamy chocolate frosting adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Great for Kids: Both kids and adults will love the sweet, chocolatey taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps suitable for beginner bakers.
❓ What Is Nigella’s Chocolate And Banana Cake Recipe?
Nigella’s recipe combines ripe bananas, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. This easy-to-make cake offering a moist and rich chocolate flavor with banana sweetness.
🍌 Nigella Chocolate And Banana Cake Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🥮 How To Make Nigella Chocolate And Banana Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas.
- Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
💭 Recipe Tips
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Mixing Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Hot Water Addition: Adding hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
- Cooling Cakes: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
- Extra Flavor: Add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
🍨 What To Serve With Chocolate And Banana Cake?
Serve chocolate and banana cake with a scoop of Coffee Ice Cream, a dollop of Mascarpone Icing, or Semolina Pudding, Salted Caramel Sauce or Poinsettia Cocktail also make delightful accompaniments.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Chocolate And Banana Cake?
- Refrigeration: Place leftovers chocolate and banana cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices of leftovers chocolate and banana cake in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Chocolate And Banana Cake?
- In The Microwave: Place leftovers chocolate and banana cake slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
- In The Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) wrap leftovers chocolate and banana cake in foil and heat for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
What makes Chocolate and Banana Cake moist?
The moisture in Chocolate and Banana Cake comes from the mashed bananas and buttermilk bananas add natural moisture and sweetness, while buttermilk helps create a tender crumb. Additionally, using oil instead of butter can contribute to a moist texture.
Can I use overripe bananas for Chocolate and Banana Cake?
Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this cake the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be, adding extra moisture and sweetness to the cake.
What frosting goes well with Chocolate and Banana Cake?
A creamy chocolate frosting or a cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with Chocolate and Banana Cake. The rich, smooth texture complements the moist cake perfectly for a lighter option, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.
How do I prevent Chocolate and Banana Cake from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, grease the cake pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and then dust with flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
How long should I let Chocolate and Banana Cake cool before frosting?
Allow the cake to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
How do I know when Chocolate and Banana Cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should also spring back when lightly pressed.
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Nigella Dorset Chocolate And Banana Cake Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 329
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 10%
Nigella Chocolate And Banana Cake
Description
Nigella’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is made of ripe bananas, cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla this moist and rich cake serves 6 and takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
For the Frosting:
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the mashed bananas.
- Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Mixing Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Hot Water Addition: Adding hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
- Cooling Cakes: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
- Extra Flavor: Add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.