Description
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.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 200g self-raising flour – Provides structure and helps the cake rise.
- 50g cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
- 150g caster sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances the chocolate.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and gives structure to the cake.
- 125ml vegetable oil or melted butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed) – Adds natural sweetness and a soft, moist texture.
- 100g dark chocolate (chopped or chips) – Adds bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate ganache – For a glossy, rich topping.
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – Adds crunch and complements the chocolate.
- Sliced banana – For a decorative touch.
- Powdered sugar – For a simple dusting.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
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.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the eggs and caster sugar together with an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Oil and Bananas
Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter) and mashed bananas to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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.
Step 6: Pour into the Tin and Smooth the Top
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
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.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Add Optional Toppings
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.