Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Beginners

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for culinary inspiration and delectable creations. Today, we delve into the comforting world of baking with a recipe that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the creamy richness of yogurt. The Banana and Yogurt Cake is a moist, fluffy, and flavorful dessert that embodies simplicity and elegance in every bite. Crafted with a careful balance of ingredients, this cake is perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert after dinner. Its tender crumb and subtle tang make it an irresistible treat for all ages, and its straightforward preparation ensures even novice bakers can achieve professional results.

This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers nutritional benefits, thanks to the incorporation of bananas and yogurt—both rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this versatile recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Let’s explore every detail of making this delightful Banana and Yogurt Cake, from ingredients to serving tips, and discover how it can elevate your dessert game to new heights.

Time

Preparation Time: approximately 15 minutes

Baking Time: about 40 minutes

Cooling Time: roughly 15 minutes

Total Time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale
• Peeler (for bananas)
• Fork (for mashing bananas)
• Sieve or sifter (for dry ingredients)
• 22 cm (9-inch) round cake pan
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Tags

• Dessert
• Baking
• Banana
• Yogurt
• Moist Cake
• Healthy Dessert
• Quick and Easy
• Family Friendly

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 generous slices, making it ideal for small family gatherings or intimate dessert moments. Each serving is roughly 1/6th of the cake, though you can cut larger or smaller pieces depending on your preference or the occasion.

Difficulty Level

Moderate. This recipe requires basic baking skills such as mixing, folding, and understanding oven temperatures. It’s perfect for home bakers with some experience but remains accessible to beginners willing to follow straightforward steps.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Suitable for vegetarians. Not suitable for vegans due to eggs and dairy. Can be adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends.

Course

Dessert

Cuisine

International (adaptable to Western baking traditions)

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bananas

Begin by selecting ripe bananas—those with brown spots or slight softness are ideal, as they provide maximum sweetness and flavor. Using a peeler, remove the banana skins carefully, ensuring no green or unripe parts remain. Place the peeled bananas onto a clean cutting board or plate. Using a sharp knife, slice the bananas into rounds approximately ½ inch thick. Transfer the banana slices into a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the banana slices thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent puree with no visible chunks. The goal is to create a well-blended banana mixture that will incorporate seamlessly into the batter, contributing moisture, sweetness, and flavor. Set aside this mashed banana mixture for later use.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with beaters, whip the eggs and sugar together. Start on a low speed to prevent splattering, then gradually increase to high. Beat for approximately 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy. This aeration process is crucial for a light, airy cake. Once the eggs and sugar are well combined, slowly pour in the sunflower oil in a thin stream while continuing to mix at a moderate speed. This ensures the oil emulsifies evenly, contributing to the cake’s moist texture. After incorporating the oil, add the natural yogurt to the mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or low-speed mixer until fully blended. Incorporate the lemon zest, finely grated from a fresh lemon, to add a hint of citrus aroma and brightness. Mix until the batter is smooth, uniform, and slightly thickened, ready to accept the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting ensures the dry ingredients are free of lumps and evenly distributed, which is essential for a uniformly rising cake. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, about one-third at a time. Use a spatula or a gentle whisk to fold the dry ingredients into the wet, moving in circular motions. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop gluten and make the cake dense. Repeat the process until all the dry ingredients are incorporated, resulting in a smooth, cohesive batter with no streaks of flour remaining. The batter should be thick but pourable, with a glossy appearance.

Step 4: Combine with Mashed Bananas

Gently fold the mashed bananas into the batter using a spatula. This step should be done carefully to preserve the airiness of the mixture. Incorporate the bananas until evenly distributed, giving the batter a marbled appearance. The bananas will add moisture, sweetness, and a distinctive flavor profile to the cake. Be cautious not to overmix at this stage to maintain a light crumb structure.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 22 cm (9-inch) round cake pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. For extra assurance against sticking, dust the greased surface lightly with flour or line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour the prepared batter into the center of the pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter, ensuring a smooth and level top for even baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in a static (conventional) setting. For even baking, position the oven rack in the middle. Place the cake pan on the rack carefully, taking care not to jostle the batter. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. During baking, the cake will rise and develop a golden-brown crust. To test doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it emerges clean with no wet batter clinging to it, the cake is ready. If the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, continue baking for an additional 3-5 minutes, checking again.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to stabilize the structure. Then, gently invert the cake onto the cooling rack, removing the pan carefully. Let the cake cool completely, about 15 minutes. At this stage, you may dust the surface with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation or serve as is. Slice into portions and enjoy this moist, flavorful Banana and Yogurt Cake with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk. Its tender crumb and subtle citrus notes make it a versatile dessert suitable for any occasion.

Preparation Tips

• Use ripe, fragrant bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to promote better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Sifting dry ingredients is crucial for preventing lumps and achieving a light texture.
• Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added; gentle folding preserves the airiness of the batter.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a splash of lemon juice to the batter.
• Experiment with adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variation.
• Ensure your oven is properly preheated to avoid uneven baking or undercooked centers.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips and Tricks

• Use bananas with a high sugar content for a naturally sweeter cake, reducing the need for additional sugar if desired.
• Replace sunflower oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
• Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor and aroma.
• Ensure the batter is not overmixed after adding the flour to maintain a tender crumb.
• If you prefer a more rustic appearance, leave some banana chunks unmashed and fold them into the batter.
• Use a light-colored metal pan to promote even baking and prevent over-browning.

Add-ons

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• Chocolate chips or chunks
• Dried fruit (raisins or cranberries)
• Shredded coconut

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad
• Vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
• Herbal tea or coffee
• Berry compote or fruit coulis

Improvements

• Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and complexity.
• Layer the cake with a cream cheese or mascarpone filling for a more decadent dessert.
• Top the cake with toasted nuts or caramelized bananas for visual appeal and added flavor.
• Use alternative sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup to modify sweetness and flavor.

Save and Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or at room temperature for a quicker snack.

FAQ

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to mimic gluten’s binding properties.

Can I substitute the yogurt with another dairy product?

Absolutely. Sour cream, buttermilk, or kefir can be used as alternatives, adjusting the liquid content slightly if necessary.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

No, due to eggs and dairy. However, with suitable substitutions such as flax eggs and plant-based yogurt, you can adapt the recipe for vegan diets.

Can I add chocolate or nuts?

Yes. Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips after the wet ingredients are combined for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Banana and Yogurt Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Its moist, tender crumb and balanced sweetness make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual mornings to festive celebrations. With versatile add-ons and easy modifications, it caters to various dietary preferences and flavor preferences. As you bake this cake, remember that the key lies in quality ingredients, careful mixing, and patience during baking. Once cooled, it’s a treat that will surely impress family and friends alike, leaving everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiring recipes and baking tips, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted culinary companion.

References

• Williams Sonoma Baking Guide: The Art of Baking
• Joy of Cooking, 75th Anniversary Edition