The Ultimate Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe

Crafting a double chocolate banana layer cake brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Sweet bananas mingle perfectly with rich chocolate layers, creating an irresistible dessert experience.

Moist and decadent, each slice promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

chocolate lovers will swoon over the intense cocoa notes blended with natural banana sweetness.

Unexpected ingredients combine to produce a stunning cake that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Creamy frosting and tender crumb promise a dessert that feels like a warm, delicious hug.

Prepare to fall head over heels for this ultimate chocolate-banana celebration.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor profile of your cake.

• Is it necessary to use brown sugar, or can I substitute it?

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth to the cake. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar, but the texture and flavor might be slightly different.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark spots, as they are sweeter and will provide more moisture and intense banana flavor to the cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to maintain the right cake consistency.

Why Double Chocolate Banana Cake Is a Treat

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with double chocolate and banana, this cake becomes an instant favorite that draws everyone to the table with its irresistible combination of flavors.
• Master Baking Techniques: Perfect for home bakers wanting to improve their skills, the recipe offers straightforward steps for creating a professional-looking layer cake with minimal complicated instructions.
• Versatile Celebration Cake: Ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this decadent dessert impresses guests while being simple enough for casual family events.
• Transform Overripe Bananas: Brilliant way to rescue ripe bananas by converting them into a rich, moist chocolate cake that eliminates food waste and creates a delicious treat.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Banana Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic wheat flour that provides structure and softness to the cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake layers.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.

• Ripe Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the cake texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
• Applesauce: Serves as a healthier fat replacement and contributes to cake's moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cake.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Shavings: Add extra chocolate intensity and textural contrast.

• Softened Butter: Creates a creamy base for the chocolate frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve smooth frosting consistency.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a light and fluffy frosting texture.

• Salt, Vanilla Extract: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.

How to Bake a Double Chocolate Banana Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and set up your baking workspace with all necessary tools.

Step 2: Create Banana Mixture

• Mashed bananas
• Brown sugar
• Applesauce
• Vanilla extract
• Egg

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain cake’s light texture.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide batter equally between prepared cake pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Chocolate Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Whip on high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Layer and Frost Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting.

Add second cake layer on top.

Step 10: Create Smooth Finish

Apply a thin crumb coat over entire cake.

Chill for 15 minutes to set. Cover with remaining frosting, creating smooth sides and top.

Step 11: Final Decoration

Garnish with chocolate shavings or banana slices for an elegant touch. Serve and enjoy your decadent dessert!

Tips for Rich and Moist Banana Layer Cake

• Stir cake batter gently until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid dense, tough cake layers.
• Use very ripe, almost black bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, which enhances the cake's rich flavor and soft consistency.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean, smooth frosting application.
• Apply a thin initial frosting layer and refrigerate briefly to lock in crumbs, creating a smooth, professional-looking final cake surface.
• Gently fold chocolate chips into batter to prevent sinking, ensuring even chocolate flavor throughout each cake slice.

Ways to Switch Up Chocolate Banana Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
• Vegan Chocolate Banana Layer Cake: Substitute egg with flax egg, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap butter with vegan margarine for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Banana Cake: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Banana Cake: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutty undertones, enhancing the cake's texture and depth.

What to Serve With Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Choose a rich, velvety Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the cake’s deep chocolate notes and enhances the banana’s subtle sweetness.

Serve alongside a robust espresso or cappuccino, where the coffee’s bitter undertones beautifully balance the cake’s sweetness and intensify its chocolate complexity.

Top a slice with vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream, creating a luxurious temperature contrast that highlights the cake’s moistness and chocolatey depth.

Select a Port or late-harvest Riesling, whose sweet, concentrated flavors will dance perfectly with the cake’s rich chocolate and banana profile.

Storing Chocolate Banana Cake Slices

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
• Carefully wrap the entire unfrosted cake layers in two layers of plastic wrap, then add aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich double chocolate banana layer cake marries creamy banana sweetness with intense chocolate depths. Moist layers promise a delectable dessert experience that chocolate and banana lovers will cherish.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (288 grams) mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (122 grams) unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup (40 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups (440 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garnish/Optional Ingredients:

(None specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with grease, flour, and parchment paper lining.
2. Whisk mashed bananas, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and egg in a mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a separate bowl.
4. Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
5. Delicately fold chocolate chips throughout the batter for even distribution.
6. Evenly distribute batter between prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from cake centers.
8. Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
9. Cream butter in a large bowl until smooth and silky.
10. Progressively blend powdered sugar and cocoa powder into butter.
11. Introduce salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, whipping at high speed for 3 minutes until frosting becomes light and airy.
12. Adjust frosting consistency with additional cream or sugar if needed.
13. Position first cake layer on serving plate.
14. Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting across the first cake layer.
15. Carefully place second cake layer atop the frosted base.
16. Apply a thin crumb coat over entire cake, chilling for 15 minutes to set.
17. Completely cover cake with remaining frosting, ensuring smooth and even coverage.
18. Optional: Embellish with chocolate shavings or banana slices before serving.

Notes

• Ripe bananas work best for maximum flavor and moisture, so let them sit until they’re dark and soft.
• Experiment with different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique taste profiles.
• Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense cake, so gently fold ingredients until just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 481 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg