Jana's Banana Cake Recipe

This delightful banana cake offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will surely captivate your taste buds. Imagine a carefully crafted base of crushed cookies, enriched with butter, providing a satisfying crunch. On top of this, a layer of creamy, cooked condensed milk delivers a smooth, sweet richness without being overpoweringly sweet. Slices of fresh bananas are then placed, adding a lovely fruitiness that complements the sweetness. Fluffy dollops of whipped cream are artfully spread over the banana layer, creating a light and airy contrast. Finally, the cake is adorned with delicate shavings of chocolate or a dusting of cocoa, adding a decadent finish. This cake not only looks impressive but also offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1/2 can cooked condensed milk (preferably made from natural milk)
4 bananas
300 g sweet cream (for whipping)
1.5 packs of "Selga" cookies
70 g melted or very soft butter

Spices/Sauces

Vanilla sugar
Chocolate or cocoa for decoration

Preparation Time

Total: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by crushing the "Selga" cookies into fine crumbs. It's crucial to get a consistent texture to form a solid base.
Melt the butter or ensure it's very soft, then mix it thoroughly with the crushed cookies. Use your hands for the best results, pressing the mixture firmly into a cake mold to create the cake's base.
Spread a layer of cooked condensed milk over the cookie base. The layer should be thin to avoid an overly sweet cake, allowing the other flavors to shine.
Chop the bananas into slices and lay them evenly over the condensed milk. Feel free to stack them in multiple layers for added banana flavor.
Whip the sweet cream until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream should be carefully spooned over the banana slices, ensuring even coverage.
For the finishing touch, grate some chocolate or sprinkle cocoa over the whipped cream. This adds visual appeal and enhances the taste with a hint of chocolate.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Before serving, you can garnish the cake further with a few fresh banana slices or additional chocolate shavings if desired.
Serve chilled for the best experience, as the chilling process sets the layers firmly.

Tips

Use Overripe Bananas: They contribute more sweetness and flavor.
Substitute: For a less sugary option, replace the cooked condensed milk with homemade caramel.
Stability: Chill the cake periodically while assembling to maintain the structure.

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 350 per slice
Protein: 5g
Fats: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Swap out any nut-based ingredients with seeds or dried fruits.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of sweet cream and a vegan butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
A drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the dessert further.

Best Places

The Cake Gallery - A charming cafe known for its exquisite pastries and cakes. Location: 123 Dessert Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
Sweet Tooth Heaven - A bakery offering a wide array of classic and innovative desserts. Location: 56 Baker Street, London, UK.
Baker's Delight - Offers a cozy atmosphere with an array of homemade sweets. Location: 87 Pâtisserie Avenue, Paris, France.
Dessert Oasis - A paradise for dessert lovers with international flavors. Location: 21 Sweet Street, New York, USA.
Choco Fantasy Cafe - Specializes in chocolate-themed desserts. Location: 45 Cocoa Court, Zurich, Switzerland.
The Pastry Corner - A hidden gem known for its unique cake flavors. Location: 34 Confection Blvd, Toronto, Canada.
Heavenly Bites - Offers premium desserts with a modern twist. Location: 9 Sugar Alley, Singapore.
La Dolce Vita - Experience the sweet life with authentic Italian pastries. Location: 101 Gelato Rd, Rome, Italy.
Cake & Crumb - Known for its artisanal baking techniques. Location: 77 Bakery Ln, Sydney, Australia.
Sweet Temptations - A must-visit for any dessert enthusiast. Location: 54 Treats Drive, Cape Town, South Africa.