Banana and Nutella Cake Bites.

Good morning to you all - now although I only just realised that it is pancake day (shame on me) I did not prepare a delicious recipe for you! Next year I will hopefully be on the case and share with you a variety of jam-packed sugary goodness that is bursting with flavours prior to the event. There might be the odd recipe throughout the year anyway - because we can not just be restricted to eating Pancakes on the one day (if there was an rule I would have to ignore it!) 

Anyway onto the recipe … 

Who doesn't love banana bread? A delicious soft and warm cake texture filled with vanilla, banana and possibly a hint of cinnamon, but it has now been taken to the next level - with the addition of Nutella. I have opted to make a cake texture batter, as it is not as dense as a bread and add in some more scrumptious flavours. 

I mean who doesn't love a good treat of hazelnut and milk chocolate combined together to make the ultimate tasting spread ~ Nutella. 

Of course people like to get a little creative with the flavour combinations, but these Banana and Nutella  bites have the perfect amount of sweetness. 

It is absolutely bursting with flavour and the cake itself is so moist and delicate, but rich and creamy with the Nutella - a perfect match I say! 

I tried to mix in the Nutella two ways; firstly by scooping in the plain banana batter into the moulds and then swirling in the Nutella - however this can create an explosion in the oven causing the Nutella to blow up over the sides. Secondly I very lightly mixed the Nutella through the remaining banana batter to create a marble pattern. Although you can see the Nutella as much, it is certainly the most practical. (Hint: add more Nutella if you want to see more of it throughout the batter - or add some chocolate chunks as well!) 

Banana & Nutella Cake Bites. 

Recipe from: A Pastry Affair

1/2 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) butter
3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour

1 cup (120 grams) whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (118 ml) milk
1/2 cup (150 grams) nutella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a loaf pan.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions. Beat in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until fully incorporated. Mix in the flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk. Set aside.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, place the Nutella and heat for 15 seconds until lightly warmed and melted. Be careful, though; if the Nutella gets too warm it will seize up into a solid so less time in the microwave is better.

In the loaf pan, transfer 1/3 of the bread batter. Drizzle 1/3 of Nutella over the top and, using a butter knife, lightly swirl into the batter. Complete this step two more times, creating three layers. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Bon Appétit! 

M x