Description
This Banana Cake with Chocolate Frosting is a moist and tender dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich, silky chocolate frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake offers a comforting flavor and delightful texture that’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 3 to 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas: Start by mashing the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth and creamy, which provides the perfect natural sweetness and moisture for your cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy; this step creates a tender crumb and a nicely aerated cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract to incorporate flavor and assist in binding ingredients together.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the mashed bananas, then gently fold everything together to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Chocolate Frosting: Whisk together unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, softened butter, and heavy cream until you get a smooth and creamy chocolate frosting with a luscious texture.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, generously spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.
Notes
- Choose the Right Bananas: Use bananas that have plenty of brown spots—they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing your batter just until combined keeps the cake soft and tender, avoiding a dense texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better rise.
- Check Cake Early: Ovens vary, so begin checking your cake at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Frost After Cooling: Always frost your cake only once it’s fully cooled to avoid melting the chocolate frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg