Description
This chocolate banana cake is the ultimate indulgent dessert. It combines rich cocoa flavor with sweet, moist banana cake and finishes with two dreamy layers of frosting: a fresh banana cream frosting followed by a smooth chocolate ganache. It’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever you need a sweet crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
For the Banana Frosting:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed very smooth)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, eggs, sugars, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Make the Banana Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat softened butter with mashed banana and lemon juice until creamy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Chill slightly before use.
Make the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat.
- Stir in chocolate chips and butter until melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla extract. Let cool until spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread banana frosting evenly.
- Top with second layer. Cover top and sides with chocolate frosting.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- For an extra-moist cake, use bananas that are heavily speckled or mostly brown.
- Store cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 cake)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg