Description
Savor a moist banana cake layered with creamy chocolate cheesecake frosting—a decadent treat for every dessert lover.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the cake, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- 1/2 cup castor sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar: The combination of sugars enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Contributes to the cake’s moisture and tenderness.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Amplifies the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
- 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
For the frosting, you will need:
- 3 cups cream cheese, at room temperature: Gives the frosting its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella): Adds rich chocolate flavor and sweetness to the frosting.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
- 1/4 cup shaved chocolate for garnish: Provides a beautiful finishing touch.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing an 8-inch round cake pan. Ensuring the pan is well-greased will help prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
- Prepare the banana mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 ripe bananas (mashed), 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs (at room temperature), 1/2 cup castor sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix these ingredients until well blended. Then, add 1/2 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a tough cake.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: As the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, blend 3 cups cream cheese (at room temperature), 1 1/2 cups chocolate hazelnut spread, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich frosting will be the perfect complement to your cake layers.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully slice it into three equal layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting between this and the second layer. Repeat the process with the second and third layers, ensuring the top and sides of the cake are fully covered in frosting. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle 1/4 cup shaved chocolate on top as a garnish.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld, ensuring a truly decadent experience.