Haitian Banana Delight

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas, mashed 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum 1/4 cup (60ml) dark rum
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Whipped cream, for serving Whipped cream, for serving
• Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 38g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and sugar. Mix well.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the rum and water. Mix until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by combining 1/2 cup (100g) of sugar with 1/2 cup (120ml) of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
11. 11.
    Serve slices of the Haitian Banana Delight with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ripe bananas — Use bananas that are fully ripe with brown spots on the skin for the best flavor and sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
• If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, brush the cake with additional rum before pouring the syrup.
• Toast the coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown for a more intense nutty flavor.
• Serve the Haitian Banana Delight slightly warm for a comforting treat.
• If you don't have dark rum, you can substitute it with spiced rum or a banana liqueur for a different twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Haitian Banana Delight as a dessert after a delicious Haitian meal. It pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed Haitian coffee or a glass of chilled coconut water.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. Place a fresh banana slice and a mint leaf on each slice for an elegant touch.