Shell cake with banana curd

Shell Cake with Banana Curd

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Discover a quick and simple dessert that is sure to impress any guest: the Shell Cake with Banana Curd. This delicious cake combines a moist brownie base with a velvety layer of banana curd, adding a splash of whipped cream for an airy texture. It's a perfect recipe for dessert lovers looking to try something new without requiring considerable effort. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the brownie base:
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 150 g butter
- 250 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt

For the banana curd:
- 3 ripe bananas
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 50 g butter
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For decoration:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Slices of banana and grated chocolate (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the brownie base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Line a round cake pan (about 23 cm) with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the butter in a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth. Once the mixture has cooled, add the sugar and mix well. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding them in with a spatula. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the banana curd
In a saucepan, combine the bananas, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Once you achieve the desired consistency, add the butter and mix until completely melted. Allow to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the cake
Once the brownie base has completely cooled, cut it in half or leave it whole, depending on your preference. If you want a multi-layered cake, place one layer of brownie on a serving platter and spread some banana curd on top. If you prefer a simpler cake, pour the banana curd over the brownie base. Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until firm, then spread it on top of the cake.

Step 4: Decoration and serving
For an attractive look, decorate with slices of banana and grated chocolate. This cake can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can vary the recipe by adding a splash of brandy or rum to the banana curd for a more intense flavor.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the bananas are well-ripe for a sweet and rich taste.
- You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- If you want to make the cake lower in calories, try reducing the amount of sugar in the banana curd.

This Shell Cake with Banana Curd is sure to become a family favorite and is a simple recipe that can be adapted to everyone's tastes. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent around the table!