Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake

Name: Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of our Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake, a perfect blend of moist banana cake and luscious chocolate frosting.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-03T12:38:30.979Z

This Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake is a family favorite that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh banana sweetness
Moist and fluffy texture that is hard to resist
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake uniquely combines two beloved flavors – rich chocolate and sweet banana. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas enhances the chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both indulgent and comforting. Each bite offers a delightful experience, making it suitable for any occasion, whether a family gathering or a festive celebration.

This cake is not just about taste; it's also about texture. The moist banana cake, paired with a fluffy, decadent chocolate frosting, creates a satisfying mouthfeel. The combination of lightness from the bananas and the richness of the cocoa powder results in a cake that is hard to resist, encouraging second helpings.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake, ensure that your bananas are perfectly ripe. Overripe bananas, with lots of brown spots, provide the best sweetness and moisture for the cake. The riper the bananas, the richer the flavor will be, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.

When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix until just combined for the best results, and you'll have a cake that rises beautifully in the oven.

Serving and Storing

Once your cake is frosted and ready to serve, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm cake can create a delightful dessert experience that guests will remember.

If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to allow it to come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. This cake is perfect for making ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the ingredients thoroughly for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake

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

Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the frosting.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice and serve!

Enjoy your delicious Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake!

Why Bananas in Cake?

Bananas are not only delicious but also serve a functional purpose in baking. They add moisture and natural sweetness, allowing you to use less sugar and fat in your recipe. The natural sugars in bananas caramelize during baking, enhancing the flavor while keeping the cake tender and soft.

Moreover, bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, making this cake a slightly healthier option compared to traditional chocolate cakes. By incorporating bananas, you're adding nutritional value without compromising on taste, making it a guilt-free indulgence for dessert lovers.

Customizing Your Cake

Feel free to customize your Frosted Chocolate Banana Cake to suit your taste preferences. Adding chocolate chips to the batter can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delightful texture. Alternatively, nuts such as walnuts or pecans can introduce a lovely crunch that complements the soft cake beautifully.

For those who enjoy a hint of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the batter. These ingredients can elevate the flavor profile, providing a unique twist on the classic chocolate-banana combination that everyone will adore.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great in this recipe!

→ 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?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

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