Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is a luscious blend of ripe bananas and chocolate, creating a moist and flavorful cake that’s satisfying and easy to make. The ripe bananas not only add sweetness and moisture but also complement the deep chocolate flavor, making it a comforting and indulgent treat.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf tin or 20cm round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and caster sugar together with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and mashed bananas to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Fold the flour and cocoa powder mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be set, and the cake should feel springy to the touch.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, top the cake with a chocolate ganache, sprinkle with chopped nuts, or dust with powdered sugar. For a decorative touch, add a few slices of banana on top.