Description
This Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake combines the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of cocoa and chocolate chips, all layered with creamy chocolate frosting. It’s a bakery-worthy dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want something indulgent and memorable.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Optional: 1 teaspoon espresso powder
For the frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk (as needed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas. Mix in granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and espresso powder if using.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and enough cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once cakes are cool, spread frosting between layers and over the outside. Garnish with chocolate chips or banana slices if desired.
Notes
For deeper chocolate flavor, add espresso powder to the batter.
Substitute chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate, walnuts, or pecans for variety.
Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
This recipe can be made as a bundt cake and drizzled with ganache.
Wrap and freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg