Banana & walnuts ring cake

Ingredients

Ring cake

2 bananas

150 grams (3/4 cup) sugar

150 milliliters (2/3 cup) milk

130 grams (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) butter

3 eggs

150 grams (1 1/4 cups) flour

7 grams (1 1/2 teaspoons) baking powder

70 grams (3/4 cup) walnuts

Instructions

Step 1

1. **Roast the walnuts** in a dry frying pan over medium heat until they are fragrant. Cool and chop them finely. It's easier to roast them while stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2

2. **Melt 50 grams (1.75 ounces) of sugar** in a heavy-bottomed pan until it is completely dissolved and caramelized. Stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar.

Step 3

3. **Add the chopped bananas** to the caramel and mix well. The bananas should be fully covered with caramel.

Step 4

4. **Pour in the hot milk** and cook until the caramel melts completely. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Stir occasionally as it cools to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 5

5. **Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C)**. Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even results.

Step 6

6. **Beat the butter** (at room temperature) with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy. This could take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed with an electric mixer.

Step 7

7. **Add the eggs one at a time**, beating well after each addition until the mixture is smooth.

Step 8

8. **Add the cooled caramel-banana mixture** to the batter and continue beating until fully combined.

Step 9

9. **Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and chopped walnuts**, beating on low speed until just combined. Over mixing can make the cake dense, so mix until you see no more dry flour.

Step 10

10. **Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking tin** and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake at the 40-minute mark.

Step 11

11. **Remove the finished ring cake from the mold and allow it to cool completely** on a wire rack.

Step 12

12. **For finishing touches**, drizzle the cooled cake with chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow any drizzled chocolate to set before serving.

Servings

Serving this ring cake is where creativity meets joy 😊. Try these exciting ideas:

Classic Elegance: Serve your ring cake with a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It looks like a winter wonderland ❄️ and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea ☕.

Decadent Delight: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. You can even sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated twist 🤩.

Whimsical Wonder: Add some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a pop of color and freshness that's perfect for a summer gathering 🌞.

Feeling adventurous? Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of warm caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless – get creative and make every serving a little celebration 🎉!

Equipment

Baking tin

Ensure it's well-greased and floured to prevent sticking.

Heavy-bottomed pan

Essential for caramelizing the sugar evenly and avoiding burns.

Hand mixer or stand mixer

Speed things up and ensure a smooth, fluffy batter.

Mixing bowls

You'll need a few of different sizes for various steps.

Spatula

Great for folding ingredients and ensuring every bit of batter is used.

Variations

For our friends with dietary preferences, here are some variations to keep everyone happy:

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture remains just as delightful, so no one misses out 💪.

Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk. Your cake will still be moist, flavorful, and completely plant-based 🌱.

Faq

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your baking tin is both greased and floured thoroughly. You can also use parchment paper for extra protection.
What should I do if my caramelized bananas clump up?
Keep stirring over low heat until they dissolve, and ensure your bananas are evenly mashed before adding.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
Of course! Feel free to mix in pecans, almonds, or even some dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It's best to bake the batter immediately. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and combine them before baking.
How can I store leftovers?
Wrap any remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.