19 September 2025
For Filipinos, nothing goes to waste, especially food. Even overripe bananas, which some people might think of throwing away, are seen as a treasure. Unbeknownst to many, those spotted, soft overripe bananas are not just edible, but perfect for turning into something delicious. We, Filipinos, really value food and always find ways to make the most out of what we have, especially now that high inflation rate is consistent, but corruption are overflowing in our country.
One of my favorite ways to make with overripe bananas is banana cake. It’s soft, moist, and filled with sweet banana flavor, and with little bursts of chocolate chips make every bite more satisfying.
The best part? It’s easy to make, and you don’t need fancy ingredients. By the way, apart from Choco chips, I added some cocoa powder here.
To start, mash the overripe bananas until smooth. Then I added all the remaining ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, melted butter (or margarine), baking powder, and a pinch of salt. You can also add a little vanilla extract for flavor, but we ran out of it.
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I also added milk. The amount depends on the consistency you want for your banana cake. Some don't add milk, only the melted butter and eggs.
Afterwards, gently fold in the chocolate chips. I saved some to sprinkle on top before steaming.
I used some cupcake paper cups here for my niece. I even allowed her to put Choco chips on her banana cupcake, as she insisted.
Then I steamed the cupcakes. This time, I added water into the pan, not the no water steam-baked method. I guess oven baking is better than steaming for banana cakes.
I poured the remaining batter into a greased pan lathered with melted margarine (or butter if you have), and steamed it until it is well-cooked and the inside smells heavenly.
When the cake comes out warm, the whole kitchen was filled with that sweet banana aroma mixed with melting chocolate. I imagined its aroma with some cinnamon powder which I used to make back in Hong Kong. I should buy one next time.
Slicing into the soft cake and sharing it with family makes the effort worth it.
A simple afternoon snack suddenly feels special when enjoyed together with coffee, especially when the rain started to pour. It becomes a normal weather pattern nowadays: sunny in the morning, and rainy in the afternoon.
So if you have overripe bananas, don't waste them. Steam or bake them! We can always find sweetness in the simplest things, and making simple moments with family are more meaningful.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
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