Double Chocolate Banana Layer: Amazing Moist Cake

Name: Double Chocolate Banana Layer: Amazing Moist Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup boiling water; For the Frosting:; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

by Jannet Lisa

14 de August de 2025

Jump to Recipe

Double Chocolate Banana Layer cake has always been my ultimate comfort dessert. I remember my mom baking this for my birthday every year; the aroma of rich chocolate and sweet banana filling our home was pure magic. This moist confection, with its deep chocolatey flavor and tender banana crumb, is truly something special. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a hug in dessert form. If you’re looking for a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, this recipe for a rich chocolate banana layer cake is it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Banana Layer

This cake is a winner for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Incredible Taste: It delivers a deeply satisfying chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with sweet banana.
Effortless Prep: With a quick batter, you’ll have this ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this classic combination.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an economical treat.
Perfectly Moist: You’re guaranteed a moist double chocolate banana cake every single time.
Versatile Dessert: It’s fantastic for birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday treat.
Simple to Make: Even beginners can achieve a gorgeous, moist double chocolate banana cake.
Rich and Decadent: It feels special without requiring fancy ingredients or techniques.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this amazing chocolate banana layer cake recipe. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender cake
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar – for sweetness and moisture
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – the key to that deep chocolate flavor
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness
2 large eggs – room temperature is best for emulsification
1 cup buttermilk – this makes the cake extra tender
1/2 cup vegetable oil – for a wonderfully moist crumb
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed – the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful!
1 cup boiling water – this blooms the cocoa for intense chocolate flavor

For the frosting, you’ll also need:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This simple step ensures your beautiful cake releases perfectly.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Give it a good whisk until everything looks uniformly combined – no pockets of flour or cocoa!
Step 3: Now, add the 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and your 2 mashed ripe bananas to the dry ingredients. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it becoming a lovely, thick batter, already smelling amazing!
Step 4: This is where the magic happens for an easy double chocolate banana cake! Carefully stir in the 1 cup boiling water. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin; this is exactly what you want. It helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying that rich chocolate flavor.
Step 5: Pour the thin batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Try to divide it as equally as possible so your layers bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 7: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This brief rest helps them firm up slightly. Then, carefully invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key for frosting!
Step 8: While the cakes cool, let’s make that decadent frosting. In a large bowl, beat the 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter until it’s light and creamy.
Step 9: Gradually add the 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk. Beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and luscious. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This frosting makes the easy double chocolate banana cake truly unforgettable.
Step 10: Once the cakes are completely cool – and I mean totally cool, or the frosting will melt – generously frost your double chocolate banana layer cake. Spread it between the layers and all over the top and sides.

Double Chocolate Banana Layer: Amazing Moist Cake - Double Chocolate Banana Layer - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Double Chocolate Banana Layer

Want to elevate your cake game? I’ve learned a few tricks that make this double chocolate banana layer cake absolutely divine. Follow these pointers for bakery-worthy results at home!

Use very ripe bananas – the spottier, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher cake.
Ensure your ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter.
Sift your dry ingredients, particularly the cocoa powder and powdered sugar for the frosting. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth texture.

What’s the secret to a perfect double chocolate banana layer cake?

The secret is twofold: super ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture, and the boiling water added to the batter. This “blooms” the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a wonderfully tender, almost fudgy double chocolate banana cake texture.

Can I make double chocolate banana cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frosting just before serving is best.

How do I avoid common mistakes with double chocolate banana cake?

The biggest pitfall is overmixing. Also, make sure your cakes are fully cooled before frosting; a warm cake will melt the frosting, making it a messy affair. Lastly, don’t skimp on the banana ripeness!

Best Ways to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

This decadent cake is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate it even further with a few simple serving ideas. For a truly indulgent experience, try a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice. The contrast in temperatures and textures is divine! If you’re looking for more pairing ideas that fit a wonderful chocolate banana dessert recipe theme, consider a light raspberry coulis drizzled over the top. It adds a lovely tartness that cuts through the rich chocolate and banana beautifully. I also love serving it with a simple dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch, making it perfect for any occasion.

Nutrition Facts for Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for one generous slice of this amazing cake:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 50g
Sodium: 300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Keeping this delicious homemade double chocolate banana cake fresh is easy! Once your cake has completely cooled on the wire rack, it’s time to store it. For enjoying within a few days, wrap the frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to warm up a slice, you can gently microwave it for about 10-15 seconds, or pop it in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Chocolate Banana Layer

Can I freeze double chocolate banana cake?

Yes, absolutely! Once your double chocolate banana layer cake is completely cooled and frosted, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic way to have this homemade treat ready whenever a craving strikes!

What makes this double chocolate banana layer cake so moist?

The magic combination for a truly moist double chocolate banana cake lies in a few key ingredients: the mashed ripe bananas, the buttermilk, and the oil. These all contribute to a tender crumb that stays delicious, even after baking. Learning how to make double chocolate banana cake that’s extra moist is all about these components.

Can I use different types of chocolate in this cake?

While this recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, you could certainly add chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) to the batter for an extra chocolatey punch. It would make for an even more decadent chocolate banana layer cake recipe.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries if you’re out of buttermilk! You can easily make a substitute. For every cup of buttermilk needed, stir 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it looks slightly curdled. This will give you a similar effect in your easy double chocolate banana cake.

Variations of Double Chocolate Banana Layer Cake You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to adapt this delicious cake. For those with dietary needs, you can easily create a gluten-free double chocolate banana layer by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Another fantastic option is to make a vegan double chocolate banana cake; simply substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk and regular milk for the frosting. You could also add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of gooey chocolate, or even swirl in some peanut butter for a new flavor profile. These twists keep the spirit of this beloved dessert alive!