Banana Sponge Ring Cake

This cake was made using very ripe and almost disintegrating Bananas.The summer heat is too much to almost “cook” the Bananas that they start getting over ripe very soon.I usually keep these very ripe Bananas in the freezer compartment and use them for Smoothies,Ice creams or jellies and jams.Quite tired of having these the better half requested for “something new and delicious” and thus this cake was born.

This is a Banana flavoured Sponge Cake which has a melt in the mouth texture and very soft.I poured some icing sugar over it and studded it with sugar flowers and stars.But you can have it plain with a cup of evening tea and believe me you are going to get surprise wows and Mmmms when your near and dear ones eat the cake.It is also a great way to recycle leftover Bananas – in fact you can substitute any fruit and get great results like any berries,Pineapple,Orange,Mango and even Apple.If you are daring enough try Chickoo (Sapota) or lime juice for a refreshing feel in the mouth!

The best part is that this cake is light and perfect for summer teas.This can be had by itself or as a pudding with whipped cream.Do not add a lot of sugar as the ripe Bananas fill in for almost 40% of sugar in the recipe.

NOTE – I have used Cream of Tartar in the recipe.If you do not have it then omit it.

Preparation Time : 1 1/2 hours

Makes : 7 – 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

For cake :

2 medium very ripe Bananas

Yolks of 5 eggs

Whites of 5 eggs

2 tsp Vanilla essence

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar plus 1/4 cup

1/4 cup refined oil/butter can be used for a richer cake

1/2 cup self raising flour/all purpose flour mixed with 1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp Cream Of Tartar (optional)

For drizzling on top (optional):

1/2 cup icing sugar

2 tbsp milk

For garnish (optional) :

Fancy sugar flowers and stars

METHOD

Preheat oven at 160°C.Prepare a cake ring pan or any pan of your choice.

Mix flour,salt,baking powder and baking soda in a bowl.

In a large bowl add the egg whites.Beat with an electric beater till foamy.Add in the Cream Of Tartar (optional) and beat again till a very thick foam is formed and the whites thicken.Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue beating till the mixture stands in firm peaks.Keep aside till needed.

In another large bowl combine the ripe Bananas,oil,egg yolks,the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla.Beat with the electric beater till smooth,creamy and well mixed.Sift the flour mix over this and mix well with a spatula or whisk.Add the egg white mix 2 tbsp at a time mixing and folding all the while.Do not over mix.

Pour the cake mix in the prepared pan and bake for 20 – 25 minutes till a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.Cool the cake in the pan and remove onto a plate.

If making the icing mix milk and icing sugar and pour over the cake.Decorate with sugar flowers and stars.

Serve with Tea or Coffee.

Texture of the cake 

A slice cut from the cake 

Lets eat in forkfuls