Chocolate Banana Cake

I have some overripe bananas sitting on the counter that is waiting to be bake. My  kids are not fond of banana cake so I was thinking of something else that they will gonna like. They love chocolate cakes and brownie, so I checked the internet for a chocolate banana recipe. There are actually a lot of recipe for banana cake but a recipe from joyofbaking was I think the best. She made the recipe super easy to do.

Finally, I made the most delicious banana cake recipe ever. The cake turned out to be moist and perfect for the chocolate frosting. It combines the sweetness and richness of ripe mashed bananas and cocoa powder. Chocolate Banana Cake is easy to make. No need for a mixer, just whisks, and two bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.

Chocolate Banana Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated white sugar
• 1 3/4 cups (245 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder(regular or Dutch-processed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas or  2 medium sized bananas 
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) corn, sunflower or canola oil 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 8 ounces (227 grams )semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) pan. Set aside. 
2. In a large bowl sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk the eggs until until the yolk and white are well combined, add the mashed bananas, water, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk well.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir with spatula until combined. You will notice that the batter is quite thin. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. 
5. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. When completely cooled, frost with the ganache.

Ganache is a French term referring to a smooth mixture of chopped chocolate and heavy cream. While it is often poured over a cake or torte for a smooth and shiny glaze, this time it is whipped so it becomes a nice thick and spreadable frosting.

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized stainless steel, or heatproof  bowl. Set aside. 
2. Heat the cream and butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat (can also be heated in the microwave). Bring just to a boil. 
3. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. 
4. When Ganache has completely cooled, beat until soft and fluffy (I use a wire whisk). Then spread the frosting on top of the cake. Can garnish with dried banana chips.

I also tried another version of the recipe with some changes in the ingredients since I don't have all the ingredients available, instead of unsweetened cocoa powder, I used my sons Nestle chocolate milk powder and Betty Crocker butter cream frosting and mixed with chocolate chips. I used the microwave instead of stove top for the frosting and it is a lot more easier.