Chocolate Banana Delight

This delicious cake is a perfect blend of chocolate, bananas, and whipped cream, resembling a charming molehill shape. It's an indulgent yet easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress both family and guests. The rich cocoa sponge base is delicately hollowed out and filled with a creamy banana mixture, creating a stunning and tasty centerpiece. The flavor is enhanced with a hint of vanilla, and topped with chocolate shavings for added decadence. You can also personalize the cake with your desired fruits, ensuring a deliciously unique treat. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate various taste preferences or dietary needs. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or just a delightful end to a meal, this cake is bound to become a favorite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is achievable for all.

Ingredients

Cocoa Sponge Base:

• 200 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 300 g flour
• 30 g cocoa powder
• 3 eggs
• 100 g milk
• 1 tsp baking powder

Filling:

• 300 g sweet cream (can use more if preferred)
• 70 g grated chocolate shavings
• 50 g sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla sugar
• 4 or 5 bananas

Preparation Time

Total time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by Preheating: Heat your oven to 175°C (347°F).
2. Make the Base Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter with sugar until smooth. Gradually add eggs, one at a time. Follow with milk, until fully incorporated.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding gently to form a batter.
4. Bake the Sponge Base: Pour the batter into a 25 cm diameter cake tin. Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
5. Hollow the Base: Carefully carve out the center of the baked cake, leaving about a 1 cm border.
6. Crush Remaining Sponge: Crumble the removed cake pieces and set aside.
7. Prepare the Cream Filling: Whip the cream with both sugar types until peaks form.
8. Mix Sponge and Cream: Combine approximately 4 tbsp of the crumbled sponge with 3 tbsp of the whipped cream. Mix well.
9. Assemble the Base Layer: Spread half of the cream-sponge mixture into the hollowed cake base.
10. Add Banana Layer: Slice bananas and arrange them over the cream layer.
11. Top with Remaining Mixture: Spoon over the rest of the cream-sponge blend on top of the bananas.
12. Integrate the Chocolate: Gently fold chocolate shavings into the remaining whipped cream. Shape this into a dome on top of the cake.
13. Stabilize if Necessary: For firmer toppings, consider adding a stabilizer to the whipped cream.
14. Finish with Crumbs: Sprinkle the cake with the remaining crumbles, adding depth and texture.
15. Drizzle with Chocolate: For extra flavor, drizzle melted chocolate on top.
16. Chill Before Serving: Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator to enhance its texture and flavor.
17. Presentation Ready: With a scoop and a spoon, get ready to serve!
18. Optional Steps: Adapt fillings and toppings based on personal preference.
19. Enjoy Your Cake: Slice and indulge in this delicious creation.

Tips

• Alternate Sponges: Utilize any sponge base, chocolate or plain, according to your preference.
• Fruit Variations: Substitute bananas with peaches, berries, or your choice of fruit.
• Flavor Boost: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or ginger in the sponge for a unique spin.

Nutrition

Approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbs: 56g

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute cream with coconut cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the sponge.
• Less Sugar: Opt for natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
• Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a fresh touch.

Best Places

1. Café Mozart - A quaint spot offering rich cakes and pastries. Location: Vienna, Austria.
2. Patisserie Sadaharu Aoki - Known for innovative desserts with classic flavors. Location: Tokyo, Japan.
3. Ladurée - Famed for its exquisite pastries and macarons. Location: Paris, France.
4. Balthazar Bakery - Offers an array of classic French pastries. Location: New York City, USA.
5. Demel K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker - A coffee house with a royal dessert selection. Location: Vienna, Austria.
6. Pierre Hermé Paris - Offers a modern take on traditional pastries. Location: Paris, France.
7. Café Sacher - Home to the Original Sacher-Torte. Location: Vienna, Austria.
8. Janice Wong - Unique flavor combinations in artisanal desserts. Location: Singapore.
9. Ottolenghi - Known for mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Location: London, UK.
10. Konditori - Offers delicious confectioneries with a Swedish twist. Location: Stockholm, Sweden.