3largeeggs, at room temperaturewhites and yolks separated
½cupapple juice
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
8tablespoonsunsalted buttermelted and cooled for about 3 minutes before using
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400˚F.
Grease an 11x7 brownie pan with cooking spray, or you can also use an 8-inch cake pan or an 8x8 brownie pan. (***see notes)
Arrange the bananas, cut side down, in the prepared pan and set aside.
For the Sauce
Combine butter, light brown sugar and cinnamon in a skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted, sugar dissolved and mixture is well combined.
Slowly add rum and cook until heated through.
Using a lighter, stand back and carefully light the rum.
Shake the pan a bit until the flames subside.
Remove from heat and pour over prepared bananas; set aside.
For the Cake
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt; set aside.
In your mixer's bowl, beat the egg yolks for 4 to 5 minutes on high speed, or until lemony yellow.
With the mixer on low, add apple juice and vanilla.
Slowly add the melted butter and continue to mix until combined.
Gradually add in the flour mixture, about 1/4-cup at a time; continue to mix until thoroughly incorporated.
Remove bowl from mixer and set aside.
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the flour mixture. (***see notes)
Spoon dollops of the cake batter over the bananas and using an offset spatula, gently spread the batter, covering the fruit.
Set a baking sheet on the bottom of the oven.
Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Invert the cake onto a platter.
Let the cake cool slightly; about 20 minutes.
Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
***FOLDING THE EGG WHITES: Move the spatula across the bottom of the bowl; bring it back up the other side, carrying some of the mixture from the bottom over the surface. Repeat, rotating the bowl until the ingredients are combined. DO NOT overmix.***BAKING PAN: I like using my 11x7 pan for smaller cakes and brownies. If you do not have one, please don't use a 9x13 pan for this cake, as the pan will be way too big for the amount of cake batter. Use an 8x8 brownie pan or an 8-inch cake pan, if possible.