I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon. I was looking for something sweet, comforting, and not too complicated. Jamie’s recipe popped up on my screen. The idea of bananas, chocolate, and a little sprinkle of magic sounded perfect for the mood I was in.
The end result was pure bliss. The cake was moist, rich, and had a comforting sweetness. It quickly became my go-to recipe whenever I had overripe bananas lying around. Plus, it always impresses guests. No one ever expects the combination of banana and chocolate to work as well as it does. But it does-oh, it does!
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake Recipe
Jamie’s recipe has a few simple ingredients, but what really makes it shine is how those ingredients come together. The cake balances the richness of the chocolate with the softness of the bananas. You get a flavor-packed bite every time. The bananas help keep the cake moist, while the cocoa powder adds depth to the sweetness.
Here’s the basic outline of Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
The magic lies in the simplicity. With the right technique and a bit of patience, you’ll end up with something that feels way fancier than the effort involved.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie’s cake. Keep in mind that these are the basics-you can easily tweak things to your taste.
- Bananas (3 ripe ones): The bananas are the stars of the show. They bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- Butter (125g): This adds richness and helps with texture.
- Dark chocolate (100g): The darker the chocolate, the more intense the flavor. This will balance out the sweetness of the bananas.
- Sugar (200g): Jamie uses caster sugar, which dissolves easily, making the cake soft and fluffy.
- Self-raising flour (200g): Gives the cake its rise and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Extra lift for a perfectly light cake.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): For that extra layer of depth.
- Milk (1-2 tbsp): To loosen the batter.
When you lay out the ingredients, you’ll see they are simple pantry staples. It’s one of those recipes where the sum is greater than the individual parts.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the steps. Here’s how to make the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F): Prepare your cake tin with a little butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Melt the chocolate: Break the chocolate into pieces and gently melt it over a bain-marie (double boiler) or in the microwave. Set it aside to cool a little.
- Mash the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them up with a fork in a bowl. You want them to be really soft and mushy for that smooth texture in the cake.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The goal is to make this mixture light and fluffy, so take a minute to really beat it.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Add the mashed bananas, melted chocolate, and a splash of milk if needed to loosen the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and pop it in the oven. Bake for around 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick-it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. You can enjoy it as is, or frost it with a little more chocolate.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Here’s a quick dive into the science of a few key ingredients:
- Bananas: The bananas act as a natural sweetener, which means you don’t need as much sugar. The sugars in bananas caramelize as they bake, giving the cake extra flavor and moisture.
- Butter: Butter provides the richness and flavor, but it also helps create a tender crumb. The fat in butter coats the flour particles, preventing them from absorbing too much liquid and creating a tough texture.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient is essential for the lift. It releases carbon dioxide when mixed with the wet ingredients, causing the batter to rise and become light and airy.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and provide structure. They help the cake set properly and give it that soft texture.
Each ingredient works in tandem to create the perfect cake texture and flavor profile, making every slice a satisfying experience.
Expert Tips
- Overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the more flavor they bring. Don’t throw away those overripe bananas-you’re actually getting more sweetness and moisture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature before you start. This helps everything combine more easily, making for a smoother batter.
- Test for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake. The toothpick method is key, but if you’re unsure, gently press the top of the cake-if it springs back, it’s ready.
- Don’t overmix: When you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
- Add extra chocolate chunks: If you really want to turn it up a notch, fold in some extra chocolate chunks for bursts of melty goodness.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is perfect as it is, there’s plenty of room to get creative. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds could give the cake a crunchy texture and a bit of contrast to the soft cake.
- Top with frosting: A rich chocolate ganache or a simple buttercream frosting would take the cake to the next level.
- Banana and peanut butter: A swirl of peanut butter through the batter would complement the banana perfectly. You could also add a peanut butter glaze on top.
- Use white chocolate: Swap out the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile that still pairs wonderfully with the bananas.
Final Words
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and gives you that comfort food feeling without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s one of those cakes that gets better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend treat or for a gathering, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.
FAQs
Can I Use Overripe Bananas For This Cake?
Yes, overripe bananas work great! They make the cake extra moist and flavorful.
Can I Substitute The Chocolate With Something Else?
You could use cocoa powder or even white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor.
How Can I Make This Cake Dairy-free?
You can swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like margarine and use a plant-based milk.