Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

Indulge in the rich and moist flavors of this Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Emily Carter

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-03T12:15:29.173Z

This Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a luscious chocolate frosting, creating a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet banana
  • Moist texture that makes each slice irresistible
  • Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful everyday dessert

A Perfect Combination of Flavors

The Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The bananas not only add moisture but also enhance the cake's flavor profile, making each bite a heavenly experience. The chocolate frosting complements the banana cake beautifully, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and comforting. This cake is a celebration of flavors that works harmoniously to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Whether you're a chocolate lover or a banana enthusiast, this cake caters to both. The combination of ingredients brings out the best in each other, resulting in a balanced taste that is neither too sweet nor overpowering. Serving this cake at gatherings or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee can elevate any occasion.

A Moist and Decadent Texture

One of the standout features of this Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake is its incredible moisture. The ripe bananas contribute significantly to the cake's texture, ensuring that each slice is soft and tender. This moistness makes the cake enjoyable days after baking, as it retains its freshness and flavor remarkably well. It's a cake that can be baked in advance and still taste incredible at your next gathering.

The addition of buttermilk further enhances the cake's tenderness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This cake's rich, dense texture is perfect for holding up to the luscious chocolate frosting, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a decadent dessert.

Versatile for Any Occasion

This Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake is not just for special occasions; it's perfect for everyday enjoyment as well. Whether it's a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake fits seamlessly into any scenario. Its appealing appearance, topped with glossy chocolate frosting, makes it a showstopper on dessert tables, while its comforting flavors make it a beloved staple in homes.

You can also personalize this cake by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This versatility allows you to make it uniquely yours, ensuring that it remains a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cocoa powder together. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake

For the best results, use very ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as these will provide the richest banana flavor. Additionally, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with sugar, which helps create a light and fluffy texture.

When mixing the dry ingredients, be sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps. This step ensures a smoother batter and a more even texture in your cake. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can result in a denser cake.

Storing and Freezing Your Cake

To keep your Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating it to maintain its moisture. If you'd like to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. This ensures that the cake maintains its moisture and flavor, allowing you to serve a delicious dessert even weeks after baking.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve it.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake

Indulge in the rich and moist flavors of this Chocolate Frosted Banana Cake, a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily Carter

Recipe Type: Sweet Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  3. 1 cup sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2/3 cup cocoa powder
  3. 3 cups powdered sugar
  4. 1/3 cup milk
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

Step 03

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cocoa powder together. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Step 07

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g