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Chocolate Monkey Birthday Cake

It's my mother-in-law's birthday this week and I promised Big A we would bake her a "flower" cake using the daisy cake pan I bought to make her cake on her second birthday.

My mother-in-law loves banana bread and chocolate, so I thought this was a good combo to make her. Unfortunately, a brown daisy isn't very appealing, so chocolate frosting won't do. For Alana's vanilla daisy cake I made a white chocolate icing and spread lemon curd in the centre. This time, I think I may make a banana white chocolate frosting and perhaps I will decorate the centre of the cake with chocolate chips and/or banana chips. I'll post icing recipe when I decide for sure...

3 very ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup agave syrup or honey
2 whole eggs
1/3 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tbls lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water

2.5 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon

In large bowl whisk together wet ingredients. In smaller bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Add dry to wet and whisk until somewhat smooth. Pour into 1 oblong sheet pan, 2-9 inch cake pans or 1 large daisy (or any shape!) cake pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean (do not overbake). Let cool completely and then run knife along edges and remove from pan(s). Ice and decorate as desired.

Chocolate Monkey Frosting

1/2 of a 250g package white or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup pureed bananas (I used organic baby food which gives you a smoother consistency)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon juice
3 cups powdered sugar

Place chips in microwave safe bowl and microwave for about 60-90 seconds, stopping every 30 seconds to make sure they don't burn. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth. Place melted chocolate in food processor with the other ingredients. Mix until fully combined. Adjust thickness with additional sugar (if too thin) or milk or water (if too thick). Ice cake as desired. Extra frosting can be frozen or eaten out of food processor with a spoon ;)

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