Chocolate cake with cherries and bananas (vegan)

Chocolate, Cherry, and Banana Cake (Vegan)

Who doesn't love a decadent cake with chocolate, fresh fruits, and an irresistible aroma? This chocolate, cherry, and banana cake recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge without compromising their vegan principles. We have a quick, simple, and most importantly, delicious dessert! Let's discover together how we can create this wonder step by step!

Total preparation time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 30 g high-quality dark cocoa
- 110 g brown sugar
- 375 ml sparkling mineral water (preferably for a fluffier base)
- 80 ml palm oil (or any other vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract (ideally homemade for an authentic taste)

For the cream:
- 3 large ripe bananas
- Juice of one lemon (to prevent the bananas from oxidizing and to add a touch of acidity)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of puffed rice flour
- 150 g cherry jam (preferably without preservatives)

For the syrup:
- 30 ml cherry syrup
- 70 ml water or tea (choose a flavored tea for an extra taste)

For the glaze:
- 100 g chocolate with 55% cocoa (choose a high-quality chocolate)
- 2 teaspoons palm oil
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons honey (if you want a vegan version, you can use maple syrup)

Step by step: Preparation

Step 1: The Base
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. This is the ideal temperature to achieve a fluffy and well-baked base.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, cinnamon, and baking powder. It is important to combine them well to avoid lumps.
3. In another bowl, combine the sparkling water with the brown sugar. Mix until the sugar completely dissolves. Using sparkling mineral water will add air to the mixture, making the base fluffier!
4. Incorporate the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, adding the palm oil. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking pan lined with parchment paper (24 cm diameter) and place it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the base is ready.
6. Remove the base from the oven and let it cool for an hour, then place it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. This step will make the cake easier to cut.

Step 2: The Cream
1. Meanwhile, mash the bananas in a bowl, adding the lemon juice to keep their vibrant color.
2. Incorporate the puffed rice flour and cherry jam into the banana puree, mixing with a spatula. Make sure the ingredients are well integrated.

Step 3: The Glaze
1. In a heat-resistant bowl, add the chocolate and palm oil. Hold the bowl above a small flame, stirring constantly. This melting technique will prevent the chocolate from burning.
2. Once the chocolate has completely melted, incorporate the honey and water. Mix well until you obtain a uniform glaze.

Step 4: Assembly
1. Cut the base into two equal parts. Soak the first layer with the cherry syrup and water mixture.
2. Add the banana and cherry cream over the first half, then place the second half on top, which you will also soak.
3. Pour the warm glaze over the cake and, using a toothpick, draw lines for an artistic effect.
4. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to combine.

Serving Suggestions
This chocolate, cherry, and banana cake is perfectly served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (vegan) for a refreshing contrast! A cup of green tea or an espresso will perfectly complement the intense flavors of chocolate and cherries.

Tips and Useful Advice
- Choose quality ingredients: A good chocolate will make a significant difference in the final taste of the cake.
- Experiment with fruits: If cherries are not available, you can use raspberries or cherries for an equally delicious variant.
- Try different sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also offers excellent nutritional benefits. Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber, while cherries are rich in antioxidants. Dark cocoa contains flavonoids that help improve heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, sunflower oil or olive oil would work well.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- What can I do if I don't have puffed rice flour? You can use almond flour or other gluten-free flours.

Now that you have all the secrets to preparing this delicious chocolate, cherry, and banana cake, all that's left is to put on your apron and start your culinary adventure! Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones - they will surely be delighted with your creation! Enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Base: 300 g wheat flour, 30 g black cocoa, 110 g brown sugar, 375 ml sparkling mineral water, 80 ml palm oil, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp baking powder, 3 tsp vanilla essence (homemade). Cream: 3 large bananas, juice of one lemon, 3 heaping tablespoons expanded rice flour, 150 g sour cherry jam. Syrup: Mix 30 ml sour cherry syrup + 70 ml water/tea. Glaze: 100 g 55% cocoa chocolate, 2 tsp palm oil, 2 tsp water, 2 tsp honey.

 Tags:  cherry cake chocolate cake