In the world of desserts, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious treat with minimal ingredients and effort. This famous dessert has been capturing the hearts and taste buds of people around the globe, and it’s easy to see why. With only one egg and no need for an oven, this cake is a dream come true for those who love simple yet indulgent sweets.
The star of this dessert is the caramelized bananas, which bring a rich, fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the moist and tender chocolate cake. The combination of buttery caramel with soft bananas is pure decadence, making this dessert irresistibly good. And the best part? You can whip it up in no time using basic pantry ingredients, and it’s all cooked right on your stovetop!
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to satisfy a craving, or you’re in need of a last-minute treat to impress your guests, this recipe is your go-to solution. It’s not just a cake—it’s a delightful experience that’s sure to make everyone who tastes it go crazy with joy!
Ingredients
For Caramelized Bananas:
- 2 bananas
- 20g butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Cake Dough:
- 1 egg
- 50g sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 50ml vegetable oil
- 100ml milk
- 130g flour
- 20g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8g baking powder
Instructions
Prepare the Caramelized Bananas:
- Slice the Bananas: Begin by slicing the bananas lengthwise into halves. This shape allows the bananas to lay flat in the skillet, creating a beautiful caramelized layer on top of the finished cake.
- Melt the Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 20g of butter. Once the butter has melted completely, it will start to bubble slightly, signaling that it’s time to add the sugar.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the melted butter. Stir constantly as the sugar dissolves and begins to turn a golden-brown caramel color. Be careful not to let the caramel burn, as this can happen quickly if left unattended.
- Cook the Bananas: Once the caramel is ready, place the banana halves into the skillet, cut side down. Gently move them around in the caramel to coat them evenly. Let them cook for about 2 minutes, until they are soft and infused with the caramel flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Cake Dough:
- Beat the Egg and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 egg together with 50g of sugar and 8g of vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract). Whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps to create a light and airy texture in the cake.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour 50ml of vegetable oil and 100ml of milk into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 130g of flour, 20g of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 8g of baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Mix the Batter:
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients mixture, stirring as you go. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The batter should be thick and rich, with a deep chocolate color.
Assemble and Cook:
- Arrange the Bananas: Arrange the caramelized banana halves in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet or a heatproof dish. Make sure the bananas are evenly spaced and cover the bottom entirely, as this will form the top layer of your cake once it’s inverted.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the prepared cake batter over the caramelized bananas, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The batter should cover the bananas completely.
- Cook on the Stovetop: Cover the skillet or dish with a lid and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes. Cooking the cake over low heat ensures that it cooks through without burning on the bottom. You can check the doneness of the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Serve:
- Cool and Invert: Once the cake is cooked and the top is dry to the touch, remove the skillet or dish from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. The caramelized bananas should now be on top, creating a beautiful and delicious layer of sweetness.
- Add Finishing Touches: If you like, you can sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or simply enjoy it as is.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works so well because it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a decadent dessert with minimal effort. The use of only one egg keeps the cake light and tender, while the combination of vegetable oil and milk ensures it stays moist and rich. The caramelized bananas add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter notes of the cocoa powder, creating a balanced and indulgent flavor profile.
Cooking the cake on the stovetop eliminates the need for an oven, making it accessible to everyone, even those without traditional baking equipment. This method also gives the cake a unique texture—somewhere between a moist sponge and a dense brownie—which is utterly satisfying.
The inversion of the cake reveals the caramelized bananas on top, making it visually stunning and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious, yet incredibly easy to make.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, use ripe bananas that are slightly soft but not mushy. Ripe bananas caramelize beautifully and add a natural sweetness to the dessert.
- Low Heat is Key: Cooking the cake over low heat is crucial to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. If the heat is too high, the bottom may scorch while the center remains uncooked.
- Don’t Rush the Caramel: When making the caramel, patience is key. Stir the sugar and butter mixture constantly to prevent burning, and remove from heat as soon as the sugar is fully dissolved and golden brown.
- Inverting the Cake: To invert the cake without breaking it, place a plate over the skillet or dish, hold them together firmly, and flip them quickly but carefully. Let gravity do the work!
- Customizations: You can experiment with different fruits if you like. Try using apples or pears instead of bananas for a different flavor twist. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the caramel for a warm, spiced note.
Sharing and Enjoying
This dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its simplicity and quick preparation make it an ideal treat for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a special gathering. The combination of flavors and the impressive presentation will leave everyone asking for seconds, and the recipe! It’s also a great way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your chocolate cravings in one go.
Conclusion
This Famous No-Oven, 1-Egg Dessert with Caramelized Bananas is proof that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or fancy equipment to create something truly delicious. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich, satisfying flavors, makes this cake a standout recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share with loved ones, this dessert is bound to impress. So why wait? Give it a try and see why this dessert is driving the world crazy!