Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a perfect treat for any occasion.
This Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a moist and decadent dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh banana sweetness
- Crunchy hazelnuts add a delightful texture
- Perfect for celebrating special occasions or as a sweet treat
A Perfect Blend of Flavors
The Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is not just a dessert; it's a flavor experience. The rich chocolate flavor is beautifully complemented by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a harmonious taste that is both indulgent and comforting. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of moist cake and rich frosting, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.
Adding hazelnuts to the mix introduces a crunchy texture that enhances the overall experience. These nuts provide a satisfying contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting, ensuring every mouthful is exciting. Whether you're a fan of chocolate or simply looking for a new favorite, this cake promises to deliver a unique and delightful dessert experience.
Ideal for Any Occasion
One of the best aspects of the Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is its versatility. It shines as a centerpiece for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations, but it can also double as a delightful weekday treat. The ease of preparation means you can whip it up any day of the week, bringing a touch of celebration to your everyday life.
Moreover, this cake is a fantastic choice for gatherings with family and friends. Its impressive appearance and delicious flavors are sure to wow your guests, making it a great conversation starter. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience that everyone will love.
Baking Tips for Success
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the softened butter and eggs until creamy. Add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of banana, chocolate, and hazelnut!
For best results, chill the frosting before spreading it on the cake.
Storing Your Cake
Once you’ve baked and frosted your Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days, but be sure to cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist, and it will last for up to a week in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake for up to three months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it in the refrigerator when you're ready to enjoy.
Variations to Try
While the original Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra chocolatey experience. You can also substitute walnuts or pecans for hazelnuts if you prefer a different nut flavor.
If you're looking to make it a bit healthier, you might replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add some oats for added texture and nutritional benefits. You could also reduce the sugar slightly without compromising the flavor, especially if your bananas are particularly ripe.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.
→ How do I store the leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.
→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a perfect treat for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the softened butter and eggs until creamy. Add the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of banana, chocolate, and hazelnut!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g