This Banana Yogurt Cake marries the comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the rich tanginess of Greek yogurt, enhanced by the sweet indulgence of chocolate chunks. Each slice of this moist cake offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor, topped with a creamy banana-infused cream cheese frosting that melts delightfully in your mouth. The inclusion of ground almonds gives the cake a subtle nuttiness, complementing the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate.
Why You'll Love This: The cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful, making it a great option for those who appreciate a less traditional, more nuanced dessert. The Greek yogurt not only adds a lovely creaminess but also helps to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and honey, creating a depth of flavor that's not overly sugary. The chocolate chunks provide a pleasant surprise of gooey chocolate in every bite, while the banana cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish that's irresistibly smooth.
Perfect Occasion: This Banana Yogurt Cake is versatile enough for a range of events, from casual brunches to more festive gatherings. It's particularly suited for afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or as a comforting treat on a rainy day. This cake could also be a splendid addition to holiday menus or special occasions where you want a dessert that is both satisfying and a bit out of the ordinary.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, top the cake with the banana cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of decadence. You might also consider adding a few banana slices caramelized in honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture. To make it festive, edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon could enhance the visual appeal while adding another layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas (about 190g), mashed
- 200g Greek yogurt
- 1 egg, size M-L
- 40 ml maple syrup
- 40 ml honey
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 170g flour
- 50g ground blanched almonds
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 pinches of salt
- 60 ml whole milk
- 100g chocolate chunks
- Frosting:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 120g creamy cream cheese
- 50g very soft butter
- 100g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat). Line a loaf pan with baking paper.
- In a mixer, mash 2 bananas. Add Greek yogurt, egg, maple syrup, honey, and vanilla sugar. Mix until combined.
- Incorporate flour, ground almonds, baking powder, salt, and milk into the banana mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chunks and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake:
- Press thin strips of butter into the middle of the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool on a rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In the mixer, combine the mashed banana, cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
- Finish the Cake:
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle grated chocolate on top for decoration.
Enjoy this delightful Banana Yogurt Cake with its creamy frosting and chocolatey surprises, a true treat that's bound to please any crowd!