Is this still a Victoria Sponge, with added bananas and chocolate chips? It is based on a recipe for one, but I am not a purist, so if I have butchered it too much for the name, I am sorry. I will very happily eat it all to myself. As this is a 'naked' cake, the mascarpone cream seems a little minimal, so if you like a little more cream, add a little more cream!
Ingredients. Makes 1, 8" Cake
225g Butter, softened. I use salted butter
225g Golden Caster Sugar
225g Self Raising Flour
1/2tsp Baking Powder
1tsp Vanilla Extract
4 Eggs
1 Large Banana, very ripe, mashed
100g Chocolate Chips, milk or dark
Milk. If Needed
For the Cream
125g Mascarpone
125ml Double Cream
1tsp Vanilla Extract
1-2tbsp Ginger Syrup, if desired
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 160º Fan, or your own equivalent. Line two 8" pans. I use 'Baking Belts' to ensure a nice even rise, and soft edges
2. Put the butter and sugar and your mixer and beat for a good 8-10 minutes. You want to get as much air in as possible. Wait until the mixture goes nice and pale
3. Add the eggs one at a time with a spoonful of the flour and continue to beat slowly. After the last egg, add the rest of the flour, the baking powder, vanilla and banana and mix to combine fully
4. If the mixture is looking a little thick, add a couple of tbsp of mix to loosen and fold in the chocolate chips
5. Divide evenly between the two tins, smooth off the tops and pop in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and springy to the touch
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. The sponges are very light and delicate so handle with care
7. In the mean time, make the mascarpone cream. Put the double cream in your mixer and beat with the whisk attachment into soft peaks. Add the mascarpone, vanilla and ginger syrup if using, and whisk into a thick, spreadable, delicious mix. Just be careful not to over-whip...
8. When the sponges are stone cold, lay one on a serving plate and pipe or spoon on a layer of cream. add the second sponge and add more cream to the top and sides. Using a palette knife or cake scraper, remove the excess cream from the sides to reveal a beautiful naked cake
9. Add some beautiful edible flowers, or sliced bananas or shaved chocolate, or all three?
10. Eat and enjoy!
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