Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until everything is well combined.
7. Fold in the mashed bananas, walnuts, chocolate chips, cherries, and pineapple.
8. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the torta to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 37g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- You can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as pecans or almonds.
- If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can use fresh cherries or omit them altogether.
- You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned, but make sure to drain any excess juice.
Variations:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use hazelnuts or macadamia nuts.
- You can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Instead of mini chocolate chips, you can use regular-sized chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to mash the bananas well so that they incorporate evenly into the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter, or the torta will be tough.
- To prevent the nuts and chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the torta, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
Storage instructions:
- Store the torta in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the torta for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the torta, place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the torta with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve the torta with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle chocolate sauce over the top of the torta for an extra decadent touch.
Garnishes:
- Fresh banana slices
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Milk
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the torta is too dry, try adding an extra mashed banana or a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- If the torta is too moist, try reducing the amount of mashed bananas or draining the pineapple more thoroughly.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly before preparing the recipe.
- Use only fresh, ripe bananas.
- Store the torta in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- The banana split was invented in 1904 by a pharmacist named David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
- The torta is a traditional Italian cake that is often served for special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
- Rich chocolate
- Sweet bananas
- Tart pineapple
- Nutty walnuts
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the torta as a dessert after a meal.
- You can also serve it as a sweet breakfast or brunch dish.
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