Rich, moist, and impossibly chocolatey, the Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake is truly every chocolate lover’s dream come true. Mashed ripe bananas add natural sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, while layers of luscious chocolate cake are enveloped in a silky ganache that’s both decadent and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this showstopping cake combines the best of banana bread and chocolate cake, all elevated by a double dose of deep cocoa flavor. One bite, and it’s guaranteed to become a must-bake favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All good things start with great ingredients, and this double chocolate banana masterpiece is no exception. The beauty here is how each component works harmoniously to create fluffy layers, rich flavor, and the perfect crumb. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love each one:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without being too dense, letting those banana and chocolate notes really shine.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, bittersweet chocolate complexity and that classic cake hue.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Give the cake a beautiful, lofty rise and perfect texture from edge to center.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Ripe bananas, mashed: Your secret weapon for ultra-moist crumb and natural sweetness—always go for spotty bananas here!
- Granulated sugar: Ensures the layers are perfectly sweet and golden when baked.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake extra tender and moist, longer than with butter alone.
- Large eggs: Help bind the batter and add richness for a slice that holds together fabulously.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with fragrant warmth.
- Buttermilk: Makes things tender and soft while offering a gentle tang that offsets all that chocolate.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Provides pools of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite for that irresistible double chocolate effect.
- Heavy cream: The key to making luscious, spreadable ganache frosting.
- Semisweet chocolate, chopped: Depth and richness for the ultimate ganache topping and filling.
- Unsalted butter: Whisked into ganache for a glossy, creamy finish that’s easy to spread.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line their bottoms with parchment paper. This small step makes sure your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake slips right out of the pans with no drama, guaranteeing perfect layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Getting the dry ingredients evenly combined means you’ll have a consistent crumb and deep chocolate flavor from corner to corner.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Bananas
Take a large bowl and mash your ripe bananas until totally smooth. Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture looks creamy and well-blended. The combination ensures that the banana flavor runs through each bite of your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake.
Step 4: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet banana base, alternating with splashes of buttermilk. Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so use a gentle touch for dreamy, tender layers.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Add the semisweet chocolate chips and gently fold them into the batter. These little pockets of chocolate melt beautifully as the cake bakes, earning that “double chocolate” title the moment it comes out of the oven.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes—then transfer them to wire racks to finish cooling completely. Patience here pays off with neat, smooth layers.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting
For the ultimate finishing touch, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until gorgeously smooth, then add the butter and mix again. Chill until the ganache is thickened to a spreadable consistency. Resist eating it with a spoon (at least until the cake is frosted!).
Step 8: Assemble the Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake
Once the cakes are thoroughly cooled, set one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache over it, then carefully place the second cake layer on top. Use the rest of the ganache to frost the top and sides, swirling for a glorious, glossy finish. You’ve just made a bakery-worthy Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake
Garnishes
Go all out with your garnishes—a few banana slices, a shower of extra chocolate chips, or some toasted nuts piled on top will make your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake look as inviting as it tastes. A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance, ideal for birthdays or impromptu celebrations.
Side Dishes
Because this cake is rich and bold, pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some fresh berries. The contrast freshens up every bite and makes for a classic dessert combo that never goes out of style.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake into a true centerpiece: build it up on a pretty cake stand, sprinkle on crunchy chopped walnuts or pecans for texture, or even drizzle with a ribbon of caramel sauce. For parties, consider slicing the cake into mini triangles or cakelets for a beautiful dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you (miraculously) have any cake left over, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. The Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake keeps perfectly at room temperature for up to two days, and its flavor often deepens after a day or so. For even longer freshness, store it in the fridge.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, double-wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without garnishes) in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. It will stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
Enjoy your cake cold for a fudge-like treat, or gently microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds to revive the chocolate chips and restore that just-baked coziness. The ganache gets silky and soft, just the way you want it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake?
Absolutely! Thawed frozen bananas are actually a great choice because they’re super soft and flavorful. Just let them come to room temperature and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What’s the best way to avoid dry or dense cake layers?
Be cautious not to overmix the batter—combine everything until just blended, and make sure to measure your flour accurately. The ripe bananas and buttermilk keep things moist, but a gentle touch is key to that tender Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake crumb.
Can I make this cake ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Bake the cakes and make the ganache a day ahead. Store the cake layers well-wrapped and assemble with ganache just before serving, or even frost up to 24 hours in advance for easy entertaining.
Is it possible to use a different frosting instead of ganache?
While the ganache makes for an especially rich finish, you can swap in classic chocolate buttercream or even peanut butter frosting for a fun twist. Just make sure the cake layers are cool before frosting with anything!
Can I bake this as a sheet cake instead of layers?
Yes, you can! Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean (usually 35-40 minutes). You’ll still get all the double chocolate banana deliciousness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake from scratch—it’s a loving gesture and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. If you’re ready to transform a few ripe bananas into your new go-to celebration cake, this recipe promises spectacular results, big chocolate flavor, and plenty of smiles around the table!
Print
Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake. Moist banana cake layers are sandwiched with rich chocolate ganache, creating a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas, then whisk in sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Mix batter: Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, then fold in chocolate chips. Divide batter between pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, then cool cakes in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- Make ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate, add butter, and mix until smooth. Chill until spreadable.
- Assemble: Spread ganache between layers and over cake.
Notes
- This cake stays moist and rich thanks to the bananas. For added crunch, incorporate chopped nuts into the batter.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
