Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Get ready for a dessert that’s the perfect blend of rich, indulgent chocolate and naturally sweet banana—the Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake! This cake is so moist and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth with each bite. If you love both chocolate and banana, then you’re in for a real treat. The tender layers of chocolate cake paired with the creamy banana frosting create an irresistible combination.

This cake is the kind of dessert you’ll want to make for special occasions—whether it’s a birthday, a celebration, or just because you deserve something sweet. Trust me, when you serve this up, everyone will be asking for the recipe. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make. So, grab your apron and let’s bake something amazing!

Why You’ll Love Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Heavenly Chocolate and Banana Flavor

The deep, rich chocolate cake is made with cocoa powder and melted chocolate, ensuring every bite is packed with that decadent chocolatey goodness. The banana frosting brings a light, sweet, and creamy contrast that perfectly complements the richness of the cake. It’s the best of both worlds!

Moist and Flavorful

Bananas add moisture to the cake, so you won’t get a dry crumb—just a soft, luscious texture that practically melts in your mouth. The layers are so moist, you’ll find it hard to resist reaching for another slice.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s elegant enough for a fancy dinner party but comforting enough for a cozy family dessert night. Plus, it’s totally Instagram-worthy!

Easy to Make

Don’t be intimidated by the multi-layer cake. This recipe is pretty straightforward, and you can even make it ahead of time. The only hard part is resisting the temptation to eat the frosting by the spoonful!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake:

For the Cake Layers:

• Bananas: You’ll need about 3 ripe bananas for that rich banana flavor and added moisture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake that helps hold everything together.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda: To help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds the sweetness to the cake.
• Butter: For richness and a soft texture.
• Eggs: To bind the cake and add structure.
• Buttermilk: For a moist and tender crumb with a slight tanginess.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for any cake—adds that warm, comforting aroma.
• Melted Dark Chocolate: Adds an extra depth of chocolate flavor, making the cake decadent.

For the Banana Frosting:

• Bananas: Overripe bananas work best for the frosting since they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
• Butter: The base of the frosting, for creaminess and smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting without adding any graininess.
• Heavy Cream: For a silky, smooth consistency that spreads easily.
• Vanilla Extract: To enhance the banana flavor and add a bit of warmth.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on this mouthwatering cake!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. Set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Add the butter and eggs and mix well.

Slowly add in the buttermilk, followed by the vanilla extract and melted dark chocolate, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Finally, fold in the mashed bananas. You’ll notice the batter is nice and thick!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Banana Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, start on the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Add the mashed bananas and beat until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too runny or more cream if it’s too thick.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of banana frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

For an extra touch, decorate the top of the cake with banana slices, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Slice and serve! Your guests will be impressed, and your taste buds will thank you.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 390
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 60mg
  Sodium: 160mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 33g
  Protein: 4g
  Vitamin A: 8%
  Vitamin C: 10%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Serve with Whipped Cream

For an extra indulgent touch, top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream. The lightness of the cream contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate and banana frosting.

Add Ice Cream

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warmth and sweetness of the cake.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

To lighten up the richness, garnish the cake with sliced bananas or fresh berries. The freshness of the fruit adds a burst of flavor that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

Additional Tips

Use Ripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Choose bananas that have brown spots or are fully ripe for the best taste.

Make It Ahead of Time

You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble. The frosting can be made ahead as well and stored in the fridge—just bring it back to room temperature before frosting the cake.

Frosting Tip

If your frosting is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, add a splash more heavy cream until you get the desired consistency.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
A1: Yes, you can use chocolate frosting or cream cheese frosting as an alternative. However, the banana frosting really adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A5: Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter would be delicious. You can also sprinkle some on top for a crunchy contrast.

Q6: Can I make mini versions of this cake?
A6: Yes, you can bake the cake in smaller pans (like 6-inch round pans) for a cute mini version. Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Q7: How can I make this cake less sweet?
A7: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the cake and frosting by about 1/4 cup. You can also skip the banana slices on top for a less sugary topping.

Q8: How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
A8: Add some chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle chocolate ganache over the top for an extra chocolate kick.

Q9: Is this cake suitable for a dairy-free diet?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter and use dairy-free chocolate in the cake and frosting. Make sure the heavy cream is replaced with coconut cream.

Q10: Can I use a different fruit for the frosting?
A10: While banana is the star of this frosting, you could try mashed strawberries or blueberries for a different flavor. However, the consistency and taste will vary slightly.

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