Chocolate Banana Coconut Pound Cake

It’s almost here. The big day. The day that has forced us out of bed before 5 am over the last 3 months.  That day is…

The 32nd Annual Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon – Saturday, June 28, 2014

This is a great race for beginners or to use as a final tune-up before Lake Placid Ironman!  Come see why the Tupper Lake Tinman Triathlon is one of the longest running Tinman triathlons in the United States.

Swim: 1.2 mile / Bike: 56 mile / Run: 13.1 mile

Ted is ready. He’s excited and nervous.  Although he won’t admit to either one but all the signs are there. He’s checking the weather forecast in Tupper Lake daily.  He’s making lists.  He’s studying his plans.  He’s thinking twice about what he’s eating.  All the signs.

I’m so excited to celebrate his first half ironman competition.  Can’t wait!

Lets Bake Pound Cake … and make it Chocolate… and add a little Coconut…

There is nothing like the fresh baked cake aroma filling your home to make you feel good all over.

This pound cake is made with buttermilk to create a soft texture and prepare the “canvas” for the rich flavor of chocolate, banana and coconut.

Makes 1 large pound cake and 1 small cake.  Based on a recipe in BonAppetit, March 2014 issue.

*  Prepare a 9 x 4 inch and a 4 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan with non – stick baking spray.  Preheat the oven to 325 F.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 1/2 over ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup partially melted coconut oil (microwave for 20 seconds on high)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup low fat buttermilk
• 1/2 cup or more of coconut flakes

Whisk flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder together and set aside.

Using a standing mixer, beat the bananas, butter, coconut OIL, and sugar for 5 minutes. 

Add eggs, one at a time and mixing after each addition.  Add vanilla.

Add the flour-cocoa mixture in 3 additions, adding the buttermilk in between but starting and ending with flour mixture.   Mix only until incorporated and do not over mix.

Pour into prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top.

Bake small loaf for 55 minutes and large loaf for 75 minutes.  Allow to cool before removing from pans.

What a treat for a picnic! 

Do you have plans for an outing on July the 4th?