Banana, Pistachio & Rose Water Cake

When two culinary worlds collide, magic happens in the form of banana, pistachio & rose water cake. This delectable Christmas-inspired creation seamlessly blends the sweetness of bananas, the richness of pistachios and the delicate essence of rose water, resulting in a Persian-inspired dessert that’s a true delight for the senses for you and your friends and guests.

Makes: 1 cake

Cake

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp ground cinnamon Pinch of salt

3 extra-ripe bananas, mashed 1⁄3 cup coconut oil

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup chopped pistachios 2 tbsp rose water

Cream Cheese & Date Frosting

200g cream cheese, room temperature

1⁄3 cup plain Greek yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup pitted dates Water

Topping

¼ banana, sliced

¼ cup shelled pistachios, chopped Edible rose petals, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour a 23cm round cake tin.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.

3. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract and rose water. Mix well until combined. 4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently.

5. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for about 25-30 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

8. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 mins, then transfer it to a wire rack to let it cool completely.

9. While the cake is in the oven, prepare the pitted dates by covering them with warm water and letting them soak for about 15-20 mins until softened.

10. Drain, then place in a food processor or blender with a little water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. You can adjust with water to achieve a smooth consistency.

11. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

12. Add the plain Greek yoghurt, date paste mixture and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and the frosting is smooth.

13. Once the cake is completely cool after taking it out of the oven, carefully slice it in half horizontally to create 2 layers.

14. Place 1 layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and date frosting on top.

15. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.

16. Use the remaining frosting to generously frost the top and sides of the cake.

17. Decorate the cake with additional chopped pistachios and slices of banana.

18. Slice and serve on your Christmas table.