Oh, if you adore the combination of rich chocolate and sweet, naturally moist bananas, then you are in for a treat with this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe! It’s a luscious, layered masterpiece that balances the deep, velvety cocoa flavor with the gentle fruitiness of ripe bananas. Every bite is a perfect mashup of tender cake and silky chocolate frosting, making it an unforgettable crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert whenever you want something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each item plays a key role in building up the moist texture, intense chocolate flavor, and smooth frosting that makes this cake utterly irresistible.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: These add natural sweetness and keep the cake incredibly moist.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for fluffy, tender cake layers.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses a rich chocolate taste throughout the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for perfect layering.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas to lighten the texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cake): Adds richness and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while aiding the cake’s moist crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provides structure and helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds acidity and moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup boiling water: Thins the batter, ensuring a tender cake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The creamy base for luscious frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Delivers deep chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for frosting): Keeps sweetness in check while enhancing cocoa notes.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a fragrant note to the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency perfectly.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted (optional): For that extra layer of indulgent chocolate richness.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cake layers come out cleanly without any sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes these components, setting the foundation for a balanced cake texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air, making the cake lighter and giving it that wonderful texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined. Then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. This combination enriches the batter with moistness and natural sweetness, setting your cake apart from the ordinary.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts to the banana mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake dense.
Step 6: Add Boiling Water to Thin Batter
Finally, stir in the boiling water. Although it thins the batter considerably, this step is crucial for a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake layers are done and ready to cool.
Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely ensures your frosting doesn’t melt when applied.
Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
While the cake cools, start on the frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until just blended, then gradually add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get that smooth, spreadable texture. Stir in melted semisweet chocolate chips if you want to dial up the chocolate intensity.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer over it. Finally, cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting on top and sides with smooth, even strokes.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe visually stunning and even more tempting, garnish with thin banana slices, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. These finishing touches add texture and punch up presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a cup of bold coffee or tea. These side accompaniments provide a refreshing contrast that highlights the richness of the chocolate banana layers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each slice dusted lightly with cocoa powder or drizzled with warm chocolate ganache for extra wow-factor. Layer individual portions in clear glass cups for a charming parfait-style presentation, revealing all the temptations hidden inside this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or keep the entire cake covered with a cake dome in the refrigerator. This will keep your cake moist and fresh for up to 4 days without losing its luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting and assembling to maintain the cake’s wonderful texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings out that melt-in-your-mouth softness and intensifies the chocolate aroma, making every bite feel just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
Absolutely! While buttermilk adds a slight tang and improves the cake’s tenderness, using regular milk works perfectly fine. You can even add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas? Can I use unripe ones?
Ripe bananas are key in this recipe because they’re sweeter and mash easily, which adds moisture and flavor. Using unripe bananas might result in a less sweet, firmer cake. For best results, wait until bananas are very soft with brown spots.
Is it necessary to add boiling water to the batter?
The boiling water thins the batter, which seems unusual, but it’s important for creating a moist crumb and enhancing the cocoa flavor. It’s highly recommended to follow this step for the perfect texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some adaptations, yes! You can substitute eggs with flax eggs, use a plant-based butter alternative, and replace buttermilk with almond or soy milk mixed with vinegar. The cake texture might differ slightly but still tastes delicious.
How do I get the frosting super smooth and fluffy?
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before beating it. Beat the frosting ingredients at medium speed until creamy and fluffy, adding milk slowly to perfect the texture without making it runny.
Final Thoughts
If you love rich chocolate paired with the natural sweetness of bananas, I cannot recommend this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe enough. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds — or thirds! So go ahead, grab those bananas, and get baking because this cake is pure joy on a plate.
Print
Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake combines the moistness of ripe bananas with the rich depth of cocoa, creating a perfectly balanced dessert. Layers of tender banana chocolate cake are enveloped in a silky chocolate frosting, offering a decadent treat ideal for celebrations or any chocolate lover’s craving.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Add Boiling Water: Stir in boiling water carefully to thin the batter. The batter will be thin which is normal and contributes to the cake’s moistness.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Chocolate Frosting: While cakes cool, beat softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Mix in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If desired, fold in melted chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Top and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the first. Frost the top and sides evenly with remaining frosting.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, decorate with chocolate shavings, banana slices, or sprinkles.
- Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve this rich, moist double chocolate banana layer cake to delight your guests and family.
Notes
- Using boiling water thins the batter but ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
- The optional melted chocolate chips in frosting add a deeper chocolate flavor for chocolate enthusiasts.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
