I have always enjoyed baking. I have always enjoyed crafts. That being said, I am mildly obsessed with Martha Stewart. I know she is hit or miss with some people, but something about her stuck with me. Before I was married with children, I used to believe I could have a lifestyle like that. Orderly, tasty, full of things I made with my own hands. Now I know better.
My house has an order to it that I understand, but baffles others (including my husband.) I haven't done anything crafty for myself in ages (we do a lot of finger painting here.) I haven't given up on tasty. I still aspire to make the kind of food I enjoy eating, not just something to shove in my face. Most times I am successful, for mine and my husband's palate. I'm not saying I put out a spread like Martha on my table every night, but I try new recipes or ideas often. I have been missing out on the baking part.
During the summer, my kitchen is too hot. We do not have air conditioning, so I try not to turn the oven on and add to the discomfort. I did a bit of baking last fall, but my daughter was still little and a bit fussy when left to her own devices. This year I hope to do more since I have two helpers. I am hoping that this gets my son interested in more foods, too. That being said, he enjoyed eating this one. A lot. I had to throw it together during his nap, but this is one he could definitely handle. It is a measure and dump recipe. Seriously. Takes about 10 minutes and most of that time is mashing bananas. I've been toying with this recipe for a while and finally have it where I want it. It is moist and sweet, without being cloying. If you are like me (constantly throwing bananas in the freezer before they turn only to have a banana avalanche), you can make this with stuff you already have on hand! And it is vegan if you get the dairy-free chocolate chips!
Enough of my strange ramblings. Here is the cake! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and tasters have!
Cinnamon Chocolate Banana Cake
Cake:
3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 Tbsps flax seed meal soaked in 6 Tbsps warm water for at least 10 minutes (or 2 eggs)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsps cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 375. Grease an 8 X 8 inch glass dish.
Dump all cake ingredients in a bowl and stir until combined. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
Combine the 1 tsp sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of cake. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of that.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for at least 15 minutes. (You don't want to get burned by a flaming hot chocolate chip. Trust me.) Serve right from dish.
Looks delish!
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