I'm back! I can't believe how long I've been missing in action when it comes to baking. Life has been extremely hectic for the past month I barely had time to breathe. Now that the majority of my work is completed and I'm looking to move on in my career, it's time to take a short breather and prepare my mind, body and spirit for the exciting journey ahead! :)
I have around 1.5 weeks before I start my new job...scary, but at the same time, I feel excited! Some of the spare time I have will be used to churn out some desserts, just so that my oven won't feel too neglected...haha.
I came across this lovely recipe on Min's blog for chocolate bottomed banana squares....couldn't find a more delightful chocolate banana combination in a banana cake format than this! Love the pretty contrast between the white and black layers, and the speckled crust with dark chocolate chips...looks sooo cute! Tempted, I set out to bake this yesterday and here are the results...
Pretty cute aren't they? I do find the chocolate layer a little dry for my liking. I'd probably cut the amount of flour in the chocolate layer the next time round so that it's easier on the palate. Otherwise, I love this cake! The sweet banana fragrance and the deep chocolate flavour makes it a winning combination in any case :).
This bake came at a timely moment too, in time for Aspiring Bakers #7 - Chocolate Delight! I'm submitting this for this month's challenge!
Black Bottomed Banana Squares
adapted from Min's blog
Ingredients:
113g unsalted butter
60g castor sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract3 medium bananas, mashed
180g cake flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
30g cocoa powder, sifted
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Preparation:
1. Cream the butter with sugar till light and fluffy.
2. Slowly add the egg, vanilla extract and mashed bananas. Beat till well incorporated.
3. Add the flour in 3 additions and fold into the mixture with a rubber spatula.
4. Divide the mixture into half and add the cocoa powder into one half of the mixture.
5. Pour the chocolate mixture into an 8" by 8" square pan, followed by the banana mixture. Top with dark chocolate chips.
6. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
I have bookmarked it but not yet try it. You make me want to grab this from the screen :) Pretty cake!
ReplyDeleteAllie, glad that you love this cake also. I also find that the bottom layer is a bit too dry, next time should add a bit of milk or cut down the flour as you suggested. Anyway, good luck in your new job ya!
ReplyDeleteThese look just about perfect for a mid day snack!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new job- and enjoy your break from work!
很漂亮的蛋糕，做下午茶最好了:))
ReplyDelete@DG: Haha do try it then! I'd recommend reducing the amount of flour use for the chocolate layer so that it's easier on the palate!
ReplyDelete@Min: Thanks for sharing the recipe! Yea agreed with your suggestions :). Otherwise, this is really a very good cake!
@thecoffeesnob: Thanks much! I'm already enjoying the break now...haha :).
@茄子: 谢谢! 这款蛋糕配上一杯好茶,真好吃!