Torta de Banana

Torta de Banana Recipe - Authentic Brazilian Dessert

Region / culture: Brazil | Servings: 6

Introduction

Torta de Banana is a delicious Brazilian dessert made with ripe bananas, egg yolks, sugar, and a fluffy meringue topping. This sweet treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Torta de Banana has been a popular dessert in Brazil for many years. It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. This dessert is often served at special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

4-5 bananas
6 egg yolks, separated
1 cup of sugar
1 stick of unsalted butter or margarine, melted
vegetable oil (such as Canola)
12 tbsp of sugar (for the meringue)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Peel the bananas and cut them in half.
Heat a little canola oil in a frying pan and fry the bananas until golden.
Arrange the fried bananas at the bottom of a round pyrex bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with 1 cup of sugar until well combined.
Add melted butter to the egg yolk mixture and mix thoroughly.
Pour the egg yolk mixture over the bananas in the pyrex bowl.
To make the meringue, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Slowly add 12 tbsp of sugar to the beaten egg whites.
Gently fold the sugar into the egg whites for 15 minutes.
Pour the meringue over the bananas in the pyrex bowl, or use a piping bag to create decorative patterns.
Place the pyrex bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve the dessert warm.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meringue for a warm and spicy flavor.
Top the Torta de Banana with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the bananas until they are golden brown to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy meringue topping.

- Use a piping bag to create decorative patterns with the meringue for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Torta de Banana is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy meringue topping.

- Use a piping bag to create decorative patterns with the meringue for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have Canola oil, you can use any other neutral-flavored vegetable oil for frying the bananas.

Make Ahead Tips

Torta de Banana can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Torta de Banana in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Torta de Banana pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a sweet ending to any meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Torta de Banana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Torta de Banana contains approximately 280 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Torta de Banana contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Torta de Banana contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Torta de Banana contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Torta de Banana is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium from the bananas.

Alergens

Torta de Banana contains eggs and may not be suitable for those with egg allergies.

Summary

Torta de Banana is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded, handwritten note that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Torta de Banana, a delicious banana cake that my mother had learned to make from a dear friend many years before.

Excited to try something new, I asked my mother if we could make the cake together. She smiled and agreed, gathering the ingredients we would need from the pantry. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, she shared stories of her friend who had taught her the recipe, reminiscing about the days they spent baking together.

I watched intently as my mother peeled and mashed ripe bananas, the sweet aroma filling the air. She mixed the batter with care, adding flour, sugar, and a touch of cinnamon for flavor. As the cake baked in the oven, the whole house filled with the tantalizing scent of warm bananas and spices.

When the cake was finally done, we let it cool before slicing into it. The first bite was pure bliss – the moist, tender crumb of the cake paired perfectly with the sweet, caramelized bananas. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so delicious.

From that day on, Torta de Banana became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, birthdays, and even just because. Each time I made it, I would think back to that day in the kitchen with my mother, learning a new recipe and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, I have made small tweaks to the recipe, adding a splash of rum to the batter or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top. But the essence of the cake remains the same – a humble, yet decadent dessert that brings joy to all who taste it.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it down through the generations. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my mother and her friend, of the bond they shared over a love of baking and creating delicious treats for their loved ones.

As I sit here now, with a slice of Torta de Banana in front of me, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and the traditions that this simple recipe has brought into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection that will last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly grateful.