Monday, January 2, 2012

Nut-Crusted Chocolate Banana Swirl Cake : ABC Jan 2012

This is  my first post in 2012 and also with Avid Baker's Challenge (ABC). ABC is currently baking from "The Weekend Baker" by Abigail Johnson Dodge, also known as Abby Dodge. I have not baked any of Abby Dodge's recipes before this, but I am liking what I have baked.





Chocolate Banana Swirl Cake is the first recipe that ABC is baking from "The Weekend Baker" cookbook, and was chosen by Abby herself! I was pretty excited about baking this cake as it sounds delicious and it is! This cake is baked in a bundt pan which was greased and sprinkled with the mixture of chopped walnuts and sugar. The bananas are creamed together with the butter and sugar first, with the addition of eggs, buttermilk (which I substitute with the mixture of yoghurt and milk) and flour. I did reduce the sugar from the original of 1-1/4 cup (about 250gm) to 170gm, which is just right for me. Half the batter is then mixed with some melted chocolate.



Spoonfuls of the two batter are placed in the bundt pan, and finish off with a clockwise and anti-clockwise swirl with a spatula. 



It smells wonderful while it was baking in the oven. Could not wait to try a slice.



I could not help myself, ate a slice while still warm. Yum!



This cake has wonderful texture. It is moist and soft, with tender crumbs, with the right balance of bananas. The mixture of walnuts and sugar adds a wonderful bite, the crispy walnuts is a nice contrast against the soft tender cake. This is simply a wonderful cake, perfect for tea.



ABC book for 2012


This recipe can be found in "The Weekend Baker" or from Fine Cooking, here. Please visit ABC bakers to read other bakers's post on this lovely cake.

42 comments:

  1. Welcome to ABC and what a beautiful first ABC cake! Glad to know that the cake still turned out OK after you reduced the sugar. I found it a tad too sweet for my taste too. And I like your substitution of milk+yogurt for the buttermilk. I sometimes substitute sour cream for buttermilk. Nowadays I buy powdered buttermilk which keeps forever (just add water).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yum! Looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your cake is beautiful! Mine turned out much more dense. It was very sweet I think I will use your sugar tip the next time I make it. Welcome and wonderful job!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks wonderful...and yes the worst part...waiting for it to cool enough so you can eat it! :P

    ReplyDelete
  5. This looks lovely....Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Joyce, may I know where can I get the bundt pan? I dun seems to be able to get it . I am staying around Bukit Jalil area ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy New Year!
    I hope 2012 will be full of health, love and happy moments!

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow...thats one perfectly made cake...love all the flavors going in :-) wishing u n ur family a very happy new year !

    ReplyDelete
  9. ooo THE bundt pan! I tried mine today..heehee..can we swap a few slices of your cake and mine? woohoo

    ReplyDelete
  10. shld i bring over my cup & saucers for tea time with your cake? :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Welcome to the ABC :) Your cake turned out beautifully! Looks so yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Queda con un corte estupendo.
    Un saludito

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy new year wishes to u and ur family..Wat a marvellous cake.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Happy 2012 to you, Joyce and your family!

    This banana cake looks super-yummy! You are always very good for researching for great cake recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Your cake is beautiful to look at. I like the combo of flavors. This is one I would like to make.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Looks and sounds really good! Looking forward to more of your baking with the ABC group! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Nice one, I love the nuts showing up there! Thanks for trying out to reduce the sugar, will try that.

    ReplyDelete
  18. One can never get enough of chocolate! The cake looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Chocolate plus bananas in a moist and yummy cake! I am sold! I love this recipe

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your kitchen must have smelled divine.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can only imagine how wonderful that smelled...it looks outstanding!

    I hope you have a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!

    ReplyDelete
  22. i need a slice of this for my supper now..though i'm not a supper person but you just made me hungry for this now!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, this banana, chocolate and nuts cake looks delicious, love the swirl.
    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Like the combination of ingredients. Wish you a good 2012 year.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This looks and sounds delicious. You can't go wrong with the chocolte and banana combination and I know I'd love to have a piece of this.Ihope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  26. Muy rica mezcla el bizcocho luce muy hermoso,abrazos y un excelente año nuevo lleno de felicidad y bendiciones,hugs,hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  27. This looks yummy especially the top looks crispy

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wav... wonderful delicious cake, wishing you and your family a wonderful new year 2012.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh look at that swirl! Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  30. That's a beautiful and healthy cake...love it! A great way to start the year. Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous new year.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello fellow ABC member! Your cake turned out great and I love the marbling that you made. I will definitely follow your advice and lessen the sugar next time. I think the sugar crust adds more to the sweetness of the cake.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Happy New Year!!
    What a mouthwatering cake. I happen to have some overripe bananas sitting on the counter top, but I will be good. First a few pounds need to let go off me.I will save the recipe for another day.
    Greetings
    Kirsten

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a fantastic creation; I can just imagine the flavour; would love to try it. Wishing you all the best from Canada in 2012.
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi, happy new year!!!
    I love cakes with chocolate and banana, are left with a wonderful flavor.
    kisses, good week:)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh that looks so delicious indeed, I must get myself a bundt cake pan soon!

    ReplyDelete
  36. This looks delicious!

    Happy New Year!
    Z.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow, what a beautiful cake, love the swirl.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Joy, I came home starving from work today so my mouth is just watering away as I look at this delectable cake!! I'm like you in that I can never wait till the cake has come to room temp. There's nothing better than a warm slice right from the oven! Sending you hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello fellow ABC baker! Your cake turned out lovely. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to baking out of the Weekend Baker this year!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. beautiful, love your marbling! Love all those nuts in the crust.

    ReplyDelete