Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for rich and moist cakes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the intense depth of cocoa, this layered masterpiece is the perfect balance of fruity freshness and chocolate indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or craving a comforting treat, this cake will delight your taste buds with every bite, making it an absolute must-try for banana and chocolate lovers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet super important because each one plays a big part in the cake’s texture, flavor, and that irresistible chocolate-banana harmony.

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake delightfully soft.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the tender base of the cake layers.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Provides lift so your cake layers rise beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the banana to lighten the texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake to perfection without overpowering.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the batter.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Gives moisture and reacts with leavening agents for a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup boiling water: Thins the batter for ultimate moistness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the creamy, luscious base of the frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (frosting): Deepens the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (frosting): Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (frosting): Adds a lovely fragrant note to the frosting.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading.
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted (optional): Adds an extra boost of chocolate richness in the frosting.

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and flour them lightly, or simply line them with parchment paper. This ensures your layers release smoothly after baking, keeping their shape perfect for stacking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a well-blended base that evenly distributes the leavening and chocolate flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving an airy crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the ripe mashed bananas and vanilla extract. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, which is why this cake stays so wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly after each addition, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 6: Add Boiling Water

Finally, stir in the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin, but trust this step—it’s key to creating that extra moist, soft texture that makes this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake recipe irresistible.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. The house will smell amazing, like the warm hug of chocolate and bananas combined!

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important they are fully cooled before frosting for the best texture and appearance.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in melted semisweet chocolate if you’re craving an extra rich and velvety chocolate experience.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Then place the second layer on top and finish by covering the sides and top with the remaining frosting. This is your moment to create a cake that looks as stunning as it tastes!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Top your cake with fresh banana slices, chocolate shavings, or colorful sprinkles to add a playful touch that’s both pretty and delicious. These garnishes not only improve the look but also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fresh berry compote. These sides bring brightness and contrast, balancing the intense chocolate and creamy banana flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the cake with slices of fresh banana between layers for extra textural interest. You could also drizzle a little chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the top to turn your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake recipe into a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days, to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminium foil. Freeze up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge before frosting and assembling your cake.

Reheating

If you prefer your slice slightly warm, gently microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the frosting slightly and bring out the comforting banana and chocolate aromas.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular milk works just fine. It won’t affect the taste greatly, though buttermilk does help tenderize the crumb a bit more.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The classic test is inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend appropriate for baking. Keep in mind textures might slightly vary, but the flavor will still be amazing.

What if I don’t want to add the melted chocolate chips in the frosting?

No problem! The frosting will still be deliciously creamy and chocolatey without it—consider the melted chips an optional extra for those days when you want to indulge a little more.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are spotted and soft but not moldy. The riper, the better since they provide natural sweetness and intense banana flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about balancing the rich decadence of chocolate with the fresh, natural sweetness of bananas, and this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe nails it every time. It’s an irresistibly moist, tender, and chocolate-packed delight that’s sure to make any occasion feel special. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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