Baking time: 30 minutesThe cake is destined to become a family favorite—moist, high, sweet enough, absolutely satisfying.
Preparation time: 25 minutes Baking time: 30 minutes
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 egg, separated + 2 egg whites
½ cup granulated sugar, divided
¼ cup canola oil
½ cup mashed ripe banana ¼ cup low-fat buttermilk
2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8" × 8" baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Dust with flour; set aside.
2. On a sheet of waxed paper or in a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
3. Place the 3 egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the whites are foamy. Continue beating, while adding 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for about 1 minute, or until the whites hold their peaks. Set aside. Do not wash the beaters.
4. In a clean mixing bowl, combine the oil and remaining 6 tablespoons sugar. Beat until smooth. One at a time, beat in the egg yolk, banana, and buttermilk, mixing well. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until smooth. Stir a large spoonful of the reserved egg whites into the batter. Fold in the remaining whites. Pour the batter into the reserved pan; spread the top evenly.
5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden and the cake starts to come away from the sides of the pan. Allow to cool in the pan on a rack for 5 minutes. Turn onto the rack to cool completely.
6. To serve, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder. Place in a small sieve and sift over the top of the cake.
MAKES 9 SERVINGS
Per serving: 176 calories, 25 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 7 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 24 mg cholesterol, 136 mg sodium, 2 g fiber
Carbohydrate Choices: 2
Dietary Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
NOTE: For a fancier dessert, garnish each piece with 1 tablespoon whipped cream dusted with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder.