Indulging in a slice of homemade banana chocolate cake is one of life's simplest yet greatest pleasures. If you are a chocolate lover, coupled with the sweet and comforting flavor of bananas, then this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth! 🍌🍫 Let's dive into this irresistible banana chocolate cake recipe and explore why it has become a favorite among dessert lovers.
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Ingredients
To prepare this delightful treat, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake
- 3 ripe bananas 🍌
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced bananas 🍌
- Whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate
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Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. 🍌
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake a nice rise.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that there are no lumps in your dry ingredients.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Banana+Chocolate+Cake+Mixing" alt="Mixing Cake Ingredients" /> </div>
Step 6: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the mashed bananas gently; do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
Step 1: Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Step 2: Combine Chocolate and Cream
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Allow them to sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. If you want a shinier ganache, add one tablespoon of butter and mix until melted.
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Assembling the Cake
Step 1: Layer the Cakes
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
Step 2: Add the Second Layer
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the first. Pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for that decadent look.
Step 3: Decorate
For an extra special touch, add sliced bananas, a dollop of whipped cream, or shaved chocolate on top. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful visual element. 🍌🍫
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Banana+Chocolate+Cake+Decoration" alt="Decorating the Cake" /> </div>
Serving Suggestions
This banana chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion! Serve it at birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful treat for yourself. Pair it with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. 🍰🍦
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Serving+Banana+Chocolate+Cake" alt="Serving the Cake" /> </div>
Nutrition Information
While this banana chocolate cake is undeniably delicious, it's also essential to be mindful of portion sizes and indulgence. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information per slice (based on 12 slices):
<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>300</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Total Fat</td> <td>15g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Saturated Fat</td> <td>8g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>38g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fiber</td> <td>2g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sugar</td> <td>20g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>4g</td> </tr> </table>
Important Note: The calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to calculate based on your individual recipe.
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There you have it – a mouth-watering banana chocolate cake recipe that is sure to impress. This delightful treat is perfect for chocolate lovers and is an easy way to use up overripe bananas! Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family! 🍌🍫