Banana Cake

When we talk about cakes, banana cake is simply irresistible. The combination of bananas, chocolate, and creamy filling makes it a treat you won’t want to miss. Perfect for any occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 6 eggs
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

For the Filling:

• 10 tablespoons sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 chocolate bars (about 3.5 oz total)
• 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 7 oz (1¾ sticks) butter, softened
• 4 bananas
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   • Beat egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold in cocoa powder and flour, then mix in the yolks one by one.
   • Finally, stir in the oil.
   • Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until done (about 20–25 minutes). Let it cool.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a saucepan, whisk eggs with sugar and cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
   • Add the chocolate and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Let it cool.
   • Once cooled, mix the chocolate mixture into the whipped butter until creamy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   • Slice the bananas and drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
   • Spread the filling over the cake, then layer the bananas on top.
   • Cover with whipped cream and decorate as desired.

Wine and Walnut Cake

Cakes are always a welcome treat, and this wine and walnut cake is no exception!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (8.8 oz / 250 g) walnuts, ground
• 1 cup (7 oz / 200 g) sugar
• 1 ⅔ cups (7 oz / 200 g) self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 packet (or 1 teaspoon) vanilla sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (10 fl oz / 300 ml) wine (red or white)

For the Filling:

• 3 tablespoons apricot or orange jam

For the Glaze:

• ¾ cup (3.5 oz / 100 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon oil
• A splash of rum, amaretto, or liqueur (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
   • Grease a 9-inch (23-24 cm) round cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, and grease the paper.
   • Grind the walnuts and mix them with sugar, vanilla sugar, sifted flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
   • Add the wine and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth. (Red wine will result in a darker cake.)
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
2. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once cooled, cut the cake in half horizontally.
   • Warm the jam slightly and spread it over the middle layer.
   • Reassemble the cake and spread jam over the top and sides as well.
3. Prepare the Glaze:
   • Sift powdered sugar and cocoa together, then mix in the water.
   • Stir well, then add oil and liqueur (if using), beating until smooth.
   • Pour the glaze over the cake and decorate with roughly chopped walnuts or as desired.

Alternative Glaze Options:

• You can also use melted dark chocolate for a richer topping.
• A classic glaze made with powdered sugar, warm water, and lemon juice is another option.
• The cake can be made without jam—simply pour the glaze over the cooled cake.

Tip: If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 1 ¼ cups (150 g) cake flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda before using it in the recipe.