🍫🍌 Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Rich. Moist. Bakery-Style Indulgence.

This Chocolate Banana Layer Cake is the ultimate combination of deep chocolate flavor and naturally sweet, ripe bananas. Moist chocolate layers meet a silky banana cream filling and glossy dark chocolate ganache — creating a cake that’s elegant, decadent, and unforgettable.

As a chef, I love how the bananas add natural moisture and balance the richness of the chocolate. Every bite is smooth, creamy, and perfectly layered.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Cake

✔ Perfect balance of chocolate + banana
✔ Ultra-moist, tender crumb
✔ Light, creamy banana filling
✔ Silky, glossy ganache finish
✔ Impressive enough for celebrations

🛒 Ingredients

🍫 Chocolate Cake Layers

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

🍌 Banana Cream Filling

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

🍫 Chocolate Ganache

• 150g dark chocolate, chopped

• ½ cup heavy cream

✨ Garnish

Fresh banana slices
Chocolate shavings (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Chocolate Cake Layers

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.

• Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

• Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

• Divide evenly and bake 25–30 minutes.

• Cool completely before assembling.

2️⃣ Prepare the Banana Cream Filling

• Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

• Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla.

• Gradually add powdered sugar.

• In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.

• Gently fold whipped cream into banana mixture.

• Chill for 30 minutes.

3️⃣ Make the Ganache

• Heat cream until steaming (not boiling).

• Pour over chopped chocolate.

• Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth.

• Cool slightly until pourable.

4️⃣ Assemble the Cake

• Place first layer on a serving plate.

• Spread half of the banana filling.

• Add second layer + remaining filling.

• Top with final layer.

• Pour ganache over the top and smooth gently.

5️⃣ Chill & Serve

• Refrigerate 1–2 hours to set.

• Garnish with banana slices and chocolate shavings.

• Serve slightly chilled or bring to room temperature before slicing.

🔑 Pro Tips for Success

✔ Use very ripe bananas for deeper flavor
✔ Add ½ tsp espresso powder to intensify chocolate
✔ Don’t overmix the batter
✔ Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate
✔ Chill before slicing for clean layers

🧊 Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

❓ FAQ

Can I substitute bananas?
Yes — applesauce works for moisture, but flavor will differ.

Can I use buttercream instead of banana filling?
Absolutely. Chocolate or vanilla buttercream pairs beautifully.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake layers a day in advance and assemble the next day.