Chocolate Banana Cake

Makes: Two 23 x 10 cm (9 x 4 in) loaves or one 23 cm (9 in) ring cake

Ingredients

• 200 g (7 oz) butter
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ripe mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)
• ½ cup buttermilk, or ½ cup milk with 1 tsp wine vinegar
• 2 cups plain flour
• 3 Tbsp cocoa
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix soft (not melted) butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mash and measure bananas, mix with buttermilk (or milk + vinegar).
5. If using a food processor: pour banana mixture over butter mixture, add dry ingredients, and pulse to combine.
6. If mixing by hand: fold butter mixture, banana mixture, and dry ingredients together.
7. Line loaf tins or ring pan with baking paper.
8. Pour in batter and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean and the centre springs back.
9. Cool and dust with icing sugar or ice with chocolate or sour cream chocolate icing if desired.
10. Store uncovered in a cool cupboard.