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

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.

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 🎉!

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.