Chocolate cake with bananas and cherries

Banana and Sour Cherry Brownie: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dessert

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the tartness of sour cherries? The banana and sour cherry brownie is a perfect choice for those looking for a quick dessert, as well as for those wanting to indulge in a fluffy treat. This recipe is not only simple but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will please your taste buds. Plus, it's a great opportunity to use overripe bananas, making a tasty and economical dessert.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 12

Basic Ingredients

- 2-3 small ripe bananas (about 300g) or 2 large bananas
- 300g flour
- 150-200g sugar (I recommend starting with 150g and adjusting to taste)
- 2 fresh eggs
- 50g butter (can be substituted with oil for a lighter version)
- 100ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Rum essence (about 1-2 tablespoons, to taste)
- Zest of one orange (for added flavor)
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder (or more if you prefer a richer brownie)
- About 500g pitted sour cherries (you can also use canned or jam cherries)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Start by preheating the oven to 150°C (300°F). This step is crucial to ensure the brownie bakes evenly. A temperature that's too high can cause the outside to burn while leaving the inside undercooked.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until the butter is completely melted. It's important not to bring the mixture to a boil, just warm it enough.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or mixer until you achieve a smooth paste. Then add the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla sugar, mixing well until the mixture becomes creamy.

4. Once the butter has melted, let it cool slightly, then add it to the banana mixture along with the orange zest and rum essence. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

5. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid deflating the egg whites.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step will add a fluffy texture to your brownie. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the brownie mixture, mixing from the bottom up to maintain the airiness.

7. Prepare a baking pan (approximately 25x35cm or 10x14 inches) greased with butter and dusted with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Then, add the sour cherries, scattering them evenly across the top.

8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Check the brownie with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the brownie is done.

9. Once baked, remove the brownie from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan for easier slicing.

Serving

The banana and sour cherry brownie is delicious served plain, but you can enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant and refined dessert. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee pairs perfectly with this treat.

Nutritional Benefits

This brownie contains bananas, which are rich in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, and help maintain energy levels. Sour cherries, on the other hand, are excellent for supporting the immune system and have antioxidant properties. Whole wheat flour, if you choose to use it, adds extra fiber.

Possible Variations

- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute sour cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries.
- If you prefer a fluffier brownie, you can replace part of the flour with ground oats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store the brownie for longer?
The brownie stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid adding excess liquid to the batter.

3. What can I use instead of fresh sour cherries?
Canned or jam sour cherries are an excellent alternative. Make sure to drain them well before adding them to the brownie.

This banana and sour cherry brownie recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to enjoy natural flavors and create unforgettable moments around the table. Happy baking, and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: smaller ripe bananas (or 2 large), 300g flour, 150-200g sugar, 2 eggs, 50g butter, 100ml milk, 1 packet baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 packet vanilla sugar, rum essence, orange zest, 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa (or more if you prefer it darker), approx 500g pitted sour cherries (or from compote/jam)

 Tags:  chocolate cake chocolate cake simple cookies cherry cake