This incredibly moist banana cake is a delight to make and even more of a pleasure to eat. With a rich peanut butter frosting and a decadent chocolate topping, it's a dessert that's sure to become a favorite. Here's how to whip it up in no time.
Ingredients:
For the Banana Cake:
- 113 grams (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil, suitable for baking (or substitute with vegetable oil)
- 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 4 medium bananas, mashed
- 375 grams (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 5 grams (1 tsp) baking powder
- 5 grams (1 tsp) baking soda
- 3 grams (1 tsp) cinnamon
- 1.5 grams (1/4 tsp) salt
- 120 grams (2/3 cup) chocolate chips
- 315 ml (1 1/3 cups) milk
For the Peanut Butter Frosting:
- 226 grams (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 410 grams (3 1/4 cups) powdered sugar
- 240 grams (1 cup) smooth peanut butter
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) milk
For the Topping:
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) chocolate chips
- Chocolate bar, for shaving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Prepare two 9x9-inch square baking dishes by lining them with parchment paper and lightly greasing them.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Blend in the olive oil, both sugars, and vanilla extract. One at a time, beat in the eggs, then stir in the mashed bananas.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before removing them to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, then the peanut butter, and finally the milk, until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Once the cakes are cool, invert one layer onto a serving plate. Spread a layer of peanut butter frosting over it, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top layer with the remaining frosting.
- For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave for about 45 seconds, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or pipe the melted chocolate onto the cake, then use a spoon to gently blend it into the peanut butter frosting for a marbled effect.
- Finish by shaving a chocolate bar over the top of the cake for an added touch of chocolate elegance.
This Banana Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is not just easy to make, but it's also a surefire hit for any occasion. The combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate is classic and irresistible. Enjoy your homemade treat!
