Jamie Oliver Chocolate And Banana Cake Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is a rich, moist treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgent depth of chocolate. It’s one of those recipes that feels simple, yet delivers a truly satisfying dessert. Imagine a cake that’s soft and spongy with a slightly caramelized banana flavor and then there’s the chocolate-decadent but not overwhelming.

This cake isn’t just for the chocolate lovers; the banana brings a lovely balance, making it feel light even though it’s super comforting. It’s a perfect dessert for both special occasions and casual get-togethers. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas that you may have hanging around. A perfect example of how Jamie takes classic flavors and adds his own spin to make them accessible and a little bit fancy.

Jamie Oliver Chocolate And Banana Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

1. Bananas – Overripe bananas are best. Their sweetness and soft texture are key to giving the cake its unique moistness and flavor.
2. Cocoa powder – You’ll want good-quality cocoa powder for that rich chocolate taste. It really makes a difference here.
3. Flour – All-purpose flour does the job. No need for anything too fancy.
4. Baking powder and baking soda. These will help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
5. Butter – A bit of unsalted butter is needed to add richness to the batter.
6. Eggs – These provide structure to the cake and help bind everything together.
7. Sugar – You can use regular white sugar but if you want a deeper flavor, brown sugar adds a bit of caramel undertone that works really well with the bananas.
8. Vanilla extract – A little splash of vanilla adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
9. Milk – This helps make the batter smooth and adds moisture.
10. Dark chocolate – You’ll melt the chocolate into the batter and its rich flavor elevates the cake.
11. Pinch of salt – Salt balances out the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowls – At least two: one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
2. Electric whisk (optional) – While you can mix by hand, an electric whisk speeds up the process and helps make the batter extra smooth.
3. Cake tin – A standard round 20 cm (8-inch) tin works best. You could also use a square tin for a different shape.
4. Spatula – Useful for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl and folding the ingredients together.
5. Measuring spoons and cups. Accuracy here makes a difference, especially with baking powder and baking soda.
6. Oven – Preheat it to the recommended temperature. This cake needs even heat to bake through perfectly.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake

1. Prepare the Bananas – Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a bowl. The riper, the better. these bananas will break down easily and add moisture to the cake. Aim for a smooth mash but a few lumps are fine.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, combine your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar. In your main mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Use an electric whisk for speed. This step is key for making your cake light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla. Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth, add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
5. Incorporate Bananas and Dry Ingredients. Fold in the mashed bananas, then gradually add your dry ingredients. Mix until you get a smooth, even batter.
6. Melt the Chocolate – Break up the dark chocolate and gently melt it over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, fold it into the batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
7. Bake – Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve – Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve it as is or top it with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream or even some extra banana slices.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake taught me a few things. First, the simplicity of the ingredients really lets the natural flavors shine. The banana flavor isn’t overpowering; it’s just the right amount of sweetness and depth to complement the chocolate. Second, the batter might seem a bit thick before baking but don’t worry. it bakes up beautifully moist. I was also surprised at how well the chocolate melted into the cake. there’s no need for heavy frosting, since the cake itself is rich enough.

One of the biggest takeaways was how easy it is to make this cake look impressive. The texture is light, yet dense and the deep color from the cocoa and melted chocolate makes it visually stunning. You don’t need any fancy frosting or decoration; just a simple slice is enough to feel like you’re having a real treat.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is already pretty fantastic but there’s always room for a little personalization! You can make it your own with a few simple tweaks.

1. Banana Variety:

   While Jamie’s recipe uses ripe bananas, you can experiment with different types of bananas. For a slightly less sweet flavor, try using plantains instead of regular bananas. They add a bit of a savory depth which can really balance out the richness of the chocolate.

2. Chocolate Choices:

   You can swap in various types of chocolate to change the flavor profile. Dark chocolate will give the cake a richer, slightly bitter taste while milk chocolate will add more creaminess. You can even blend in some white chocolate chips for an interesting texture contrast.

3. Add-ins:

   Get creative with extra ingredients. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake. If you’re into spice, try a dash of cinnamon or cardamom. this will bring out the flavors of both the bananas and the chocolate in a subtle, cozy way.

4. Flour Alternatives:

   For a gluten-free version, swap out the regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. The texture will change a bit but it’s still delicious. Or, for a more health-conscious take, you could use whole wheat flour or spelt flour for a nutty twist.

5. Sweetener Tweaks:

   If you want to cut back on refined sugar, you can experiment with maple syrup or honey instead of regular sugar. Just keep in mind that these liquid sweeteners might affect the batter’s consistency, so you might need to adjust the dry ingredients a bit to balance things out.

6. Frosting Ideas:

   The frosting can be just as customizable as the cake itself. Jamie often uses a rich chocolate ganache but why not try a cream cheese frosting? The slight tanginess of cream cheese can work wonders against the sweetness of the cake, creating a more balanced flavor. Alternatively, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can make it look elegant without overdoing it.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

This cake stays surprisingly fresh for a few days but to get the most out of your leftovers, here are a few storage tips:

1. Room Temperature:

   If you’re planning to eat the cake within 2-3 days, it’s best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake is moist enough that it won’t dry out easily and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. Just keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

2. Refrigeration:

   If you’ve got leftover frosting, especially cream cheese frosting, it’s better to store the cake in the fridge. Make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid it drying out or absorbing fridge odors. If you’re using a chocolate ganache, the fridge will help keep it solid and prevent any melting.

3. Freezing:

   If you’ve made a big batch and want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Slice it up and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, just pop a slice out and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it for a warm treat.

4. Reheating:

   While you can enjoy this cake cold, warming it up brings out the chocolatey aroma and softens the texture. A few seconds in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a low oven will give you a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake?

This cake can be the star of any meal but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your whole dessert experience.

1. Ice Cream:

   You can never go wrong with ice cream. Vanilla or salted caramel are fantastic choices because they balance out the sweetness and richness of the cake. For something a bit more exotic, try coconut milk ice cream for a tropical flair that plays off the banana flavors.

2. Fresh Fruit:

   The cake is already banana-heavy but adding a medley of fresh fruit can bring a nice contrast. Berries-like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. add a touch of tartness that cuts through the sweetness. You could even add some citrus zest (orange or lemon) for a light, refreshing contrast.

3. Coffee or Tea:

   A hot cup of coffee pairs beautifully with chocolate cake. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the chocolate’s depth and helps balance the sweetness. If you’re not into coffee, a strong black tea like Earl Grey or even a spiced chai works wonders too.

4. Whipped Cream:

   If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a dollop of whipped cream (or even whipped coconut cream) adds a silky, airy texture that works well with the dense, moist cake. It’s like a pillow of sweetness on top of all that chocolate and banana goodness.

5. Nut Butters:

   For a savory contrast, you could spread a little almond butter or peanut butter on a slice. The saltiness of the nut butter will balance out the cake’s sweetness, giving you a perfect sweet-and-salty combination.

FAQs

Can I Use Regular Cocoa Powder Instead Of Dark Chocolate In Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake?

Yes, you can! Just use around 50-60g of cocoa powder in place of the dark chocolate for that rich flavor.

How Ripe Should The Bananas Be For The Best Chocolate And Banana Cake?

For the best flavor, choose overripe bananas with lots of brown spots. They’ll add extra sweetness and moisture.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate And Banana Cake Gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can swap in gluten-free flour for a delicious gluten-free version. Just make sure to check the consistency as it might need slight adjustments.