Banana, Cardamom & Chocolate Squares (Vegan)

Time for an afternoon treat - my utterly scrumptious BANANA, CARDAMOM & CHOCOLATE SQUARES which also happen to be 100% vegan.

This was a bit of an experiment as it was my first time using cardamom in a sweet, but it worked out really well. I know cardamom is not for everyone, but it adds a lovely subtle floral fragrance to the squares - my top tip is to add just a little so it doesn’t overpower.

The texture of the base of the squares is sponge-like - the best way to describe it is that it’s similar to the texture of a “Jaffa Cake”

The end result is a banana & cardamom sponge layer topped with a thin layer of dark chocolate (use milk chocolate if you prefer). I used overripe bananas - remember #nowaste! I couldn’t resist finishing it all off with a sprinkling of chocolate crisp balls 🤎

Mangia, mangia! 👩🏻‍🍳

Banana, cardamom & chocolate squares recipe:

2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
50g brown sugar
1 tbsp non-dairy milk (I used almond milk)
100g plain flour
1 tsp ground cardamom (I used 7 whole cardamom pods that I ground in a pestle & mortar)
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/4 tsp salt
100g dark or milk chocolate - vegan (I used dark)
Chocolate sprinkles (vegan approved) or chopped nuts

Makes 9 squares

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan or equivalent. Line a 8" x 8" square baking tin with greaseproof paper then spray or brush lightly with vegetable oil.

2. Add the mashed banana, brown sugar, non-dairy milk, and cardamom in a large bowl and mix well. Stir in the sifted flour, bicarb and salt.

3. Pour the batter into the tin and spread evenly. It will be fairly thick. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, but check with a skewer and if it comes out clean its cooked, otherwise bake for a little longer.

4. Take out of the oven & let cool completely.

5. When cooled, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 10 sec bursts for up to a minute until melted. TIP - I stir in 1 tsp butter into the melted chocolate as it makes it shiny.

6. Pour the melted chocolate over the sponge & spread evenly into the corners and finally add the sprinkles or nuts on top.

7. Pop in the fridge to let the chocolate layer harden for at least an hour. Cut into 9 squares and gently lift them out of the tin and ensure they come to room temperature before enjoying them (they taste better at room temperature).

8. Store in an airtight container if any are left!