This Banana Dream Cake is a tropical twist on a classic, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a decadent coconut topping. The base is a rich and moist banana cake, studded with chunks of dark chocolate for added indulgence. On top of that, a layer of sweet, buttery coconut topping brings a delightful chewiness and a burst of flavor to every bite. This cake is a wonderful treat for anyone who loves the combination of bananas, chocolate, and coconut—a true dream come true!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Banana Dream Cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the mashed bananas and melted butter, while the dark chocolate adds richness without being too sweet. The coconut topping takes this cake to another level, offering a satisfying contrast in texture with its chewy and caramel-like consistency. It’s easy to make but feels indulgent enough for special occasions. The cake's tropical flavor profile makes it perfect for those who love a hint of the exotic in their desserts. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it as a coffee cake, a dessert, or even as a snack.
Perfect Occasion to Make This Recipe
This cake is ideal for weekend baking when you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something extra special. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, family get-togethers, or holiday events. Its rich texture and flavor make it a wonderful centerpiece for afternoon tea or as a dessert for casual dinner parties. Since the cake stays moist for a couple of days, it’s also great for preparing in advance if you’re expecting company or just want something delicious to have on hand throughout the week.
Decoration Tips
To give the cake a polished look, you can lightly toast some shredded coconut and sprinkle it over the top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the coconut topping would also add a beautiful contrast and make the cake look even more inviting. For an extra special presentation, serve each slice with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even garnish with banana slices or dark chocolate shavings to highlight the cake’s key ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the banana cake:
- 200 g butter, melted
- 5 eggs
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4 ripe bananas, mashed
- 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
For the coconut topping:
- 220 g shredded coconut
- 1 dl heavy cream or whole milk
- 165 g butter
- 300 g brown sugar
Method:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (convection) and line a baking pan (30 x 40 cm) with parchment paper.
- Prepare the banana cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla sugar together until the mixture is light and airy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add bananas and chocolate: Mash the ripe bananas and mix them with the melted butter. Gently fold this banana-butter mixture into the cake batter. Finally, fold in the chopped dark chocolate.
- Bake the banana cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the coconut topping: While the cake is baking, combine the shredded coconut, heavy cream (or milk), butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes to bring the flavors together.
- Add the topping and finish baking: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and increase the temperature to 200°C (convection). Spread the coconut topping evenly over the warm banana cake. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy!