Banana Cake with Mocha Frosting and Salted Candied Peanuts

Name: Banana Cake with Mocha Frosting and Salted Candied Peanuts
Yield: makes one 9-inch (23-cm) cake; 12 to 16 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (8 ounces/230 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon instant espresso or coffee powder; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 6 tablespoons (90 ml) buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream (regular or low-fat), at room temperature; 2 cups (500 ml) banana purée (3 to 4 very ripe bananas); 1 1/4 cups (125 g) pecans or walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped; 1 cup (150 g) raw or unsalted lightly roasted peanuts (see Tip); 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar; 3 tablespoons (45 ml) water; 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 10 ounces (280 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 1/2 cup (125 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso; 10 tablespoons (5 ounces/140 g) unsalted or salted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature

December 9, 2011

This is one big, tall, scrumptious dessert: layers of moist banana cake topped with a mocha ganachelike frosting, and crowned with handfuls of salted candied peanuts. Speaking of tall and scrumptious, I made this cake for a friend who’s a showgirl at the Lido in Paris as a thank you for allowing me a behind-the-scenes visit. She shared it with her colleagues between high kicks on stage and she assured me that even though those women are leggy and lean, their cake-eating capacity knew no limits. The next morning, I read an email, sent at 3 A.M., undoubtedly just after the last curtain call, giving the cake quite a few thumbs up. Or, should I say, a few legs up?

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.