Name: Grandma's Elephant Tears: a creamy-banana roulade that must not be missing at holiday celebrations
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 6 eggs (yolks and whites separately); 120 g powdered sugar; 120 g plain flour; 2 tablespoons cocoa; 300 ml milk; 1 sachet vanilla pudding powder; 200 g butter (soft); 200 g powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons cocoa (for half of the cream); 2 bananas (firmer, straight); 100–120 g dark chocolate; 2 tablespoons oil (rapeseed/sunflower)

Preparation procedure

Cocoa sponge Whisk the yolks with the powdered sugar until light and frothy. Fold in the sifted flour and cocoa. Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them in. Spread the batter on a baking tray (approx. 30 × 40 cm) lined with baking paper. Bake at 190 °C for 10–15 minutes. While still hot, flip the sponge onto a clean damp cloth, remove the paper, roll it up together with the cloth and let it cool.
Pudding-buttercream Cook a thick custard from the milk and pudding powder, cover with cling film pressed to the surface and let it cool completely. Beat the butter with the powdered sugar into a fluffy cream, then beat in the cold custard in portions. Divide the cream into two halves; stir the cocoa into one half.
Filling and rolling Unroll the cooled sponge. Evenly spread first the light cream, then the cocoa cream on top. Place the bananas lengthwise in the lower third and roll up tightly.
Icing and finishing Melt the chocolate with the oil until smooth and pour the lukewarm mixture over the roulade. Let it set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, then slice portions with a warm knife.

Number of servings 10–12 slices

Total preparation time approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (baking 12–15 minutes, chilling and assembly 45–60 minutes)

Tips

Brush the bananas lightly with lemon juice before inserting – they won’t brown.
The cream will be extra smooth if you whisk the pudding until smooth with a whisk and use butter softened to room temperature.
For decoration you can sprinkle with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts.

Conclusion

Elephant tears are a typical festive roulade: a spectacular appearance, simple method and guaranteed success at the table. A fluffy cocoa sponge, double cream and a juicy banana form a combination that never disappoints. Prepare it a day in advance – the flavors meld beautifully and slicing will be easy.