This Famous No-Oven Banana Chocolate Dessert is a delightful combination of two beloved flavors: bananas and chocolate. The dessert is cooked entirely on the stovetop, requiring no oven, which makes it a perfect recipe for those who don’t have access to one or simply want to avoid the heat. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and results in a delicious, moist, and indulgent treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack or a dessert to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 20 g butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Batter:
- 1 egg
- 50 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- 150 ml milk
- 8 g vanilla sugar
- 130 g all-purpose flour
- 20 g cocoa powder
- 8 g baking powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
The first step is to prepare your stovetop pan, which will be used to both caramelize the banana slices and cook the batter.
- Grease the Pan: Begin by greasing your pan with 20 g of butter. Use a brush or a piece of parchment paper to spread the butter evenly across the bottom and sides of the pan. The butter will not only prevent the cake from sticking but also help create a delicious caramelized layer for the banana slices.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: After greasing, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the buttered surface. This sugar will melt during cooking, creating a caramelized layer at the bottom of the pan that will add sweetness and flavor to the dessert.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Banana
Once your pan is ready, it’s time to prepare the bananas.
- Slice the Banana: Peel the 1 ripe banana and slice it into even, round pieces. The size of the slices doesn’t need to be exact, but aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange the Banana Slices: Place the banana slices in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring that the surface is completely covered. The bananas will cook down and become tender as the dessert bakes, forming the perfect base for your cake.
Step 3: Make the Batter
The next step is to prepare the chocolate batter, which will be poured over the banana slices. It’s important to follow the steps carefully to get the right consistency for the cake.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 50 g sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture until it becomes light and frothy. This process will help to incorporate air into the batter, making it fluffy.
- Add Liquids: Stir in 50 ml vegetable oil, 150 ml milk, and 8 g vanilla sugar. Continue mixing until everything is well combined. The oil will help keep the cake moist, while the vanilla sugar adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, you’ll combine the dry ingredients. Mixing them separately ensures that the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in the batter.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, sift together 130 g all-purpose flour, 20 g cocoa powder, and 8 g baking powder. Sifting helps to break up any lumps and ensures that the cocoa powder and baking powder are evenly incorporated into the flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Once sifted, use a whisk to mix the dry ingredients together. This step will prevent any flour or cocoa powder clumps from forming in the batter, which can affect the texture of the final dessert.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now that you have both the wet and dry ingredients ready, it’s time to combine them into the batter.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. The batter should be thick but smooth and pourable.
- Check Consistency: If the batter feels too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve the desired consistency. The batter should easily spread over the banana slices without being too runny or too thick.
Step 6: Cook on the Stovetop
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to cook the dessert on the stovetop. This method of cooking ensures that the dessert is moist and rich, while the bananas caramelize into a flavorful base.
- Pour Batter: Pour the chocolate batter evenly over the banana slices in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out and ensure it covers the bananas completely. The batter will rise and form a beautiful chocolate cake as it cooks.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid to retain moisture and cook the dessert evenly. Place the pan on low heat and cook for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to check the dessert periodically to make sure it’s cooking properly. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Adjust Heat: Keep an eye on the heat while cooking. If the dessert starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. The goal is to cook the cake slowly to avoid burning the bottom while allowing the bananas to caramelize and the cake to set.
Step 7: Serving
Once the dessert is cooked, it’s time to let it cool and then serve.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the dessert to cool slightly in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
- Serve: Serve the dessert warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a decorative touch.
Tips and Notes
Pan Size and Heat
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and material of your pan. If you’re using a larger or smaller pan, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The heat should always be kept low to ensure the cake cooks evenly without burning. If you notice that the cake is cooking too fast on the bottom, reduce the heat or move the pan to a cooler part of the stovetop.
Topping Ideas
While this dessert is delicious on its own, adding a topping can elevate it even more. Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake. Chocolate chips can also add richness, or you could even top the dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Experiment with Flavors
You can experiment with different flavors in this dessert. If you like coconut, you can add shredded coconut to the batter or sprinkle it on top before serving. For a more tropical version, you could substitute the banana with pineapple or mango slices.
Storage
Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm individual slices on the stovetop or in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of bananas?
Yes, this dessert works well with other fruits. You can try apples, pears, or pineapple as alternatives. These fruits will caramelize similarly to bananas and provide a different yet delicious base for the cake.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! If you need a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and cocoa powder are also gluten-free.
How can I make the cake more decadent?
For a richer dessert, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting on top after it cools. You could also drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle some chopped chocolate for extra indulgence.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat individual slices before serving. It will taste just as delicious the next day!
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil in place of vegetable oil, such as canola oil or sunflower oil. If you want to add a slight flavor, try coconut oil.
Conclusion
The Famous No-Oven Banana Chocolate Dessert is a quick and easy dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate. It’s made entirely on the stovetop, making it a perfect option for those without an oven. This dessert is sure to impress with its moist texture, indulgent taste, and simple preparation. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with whipped cream, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.