If you are looking for a cake that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich decadence of chocolate and the creamy nuttiness of peanut butter, then this banana cake with peanut butter chocolate frosting is the ultimate dessert for you. This moist, tender banana cake is made with simple ingredients and topped with a thick, luscious frosting that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you are making it for a birthday, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake never fails to impress.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 and 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
For the Peanut Butter Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter that separates)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and the vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, mixing until just combined. The batter may look a little lumpy at this point, which is completely normal.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add the milk and mix just until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before applying the frosting.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Chocolate Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of cream or milk to keep the mixture smooth. Beat on medium speed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Continue beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of cream or milk at a time until it spreads easily.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
- Once the banana cake has completely cooled, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- For a layered look, you can cut the cake in half and frost in between the layers, but this is optional. The cake is moist enough to serve as a single-layer sheet cake.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake for about 15 to 20 minutes to set the frosting, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Banana Cake
- Use very ripe bananas. The more spotted and overripe, the better. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more easily, which adds to the moist texture of the cake.
- Do not overmix the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cake dense.
- For an extra tender crumb, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, though this is optional.
- To intensify the banana flavor, you can add one teaspoon of banana extract along with the vanilla.
- If you prefer a more subtle frosting, reduce the cocoa powder slightly and increase the peanut butter. The balance between chocolate and peanut butter is customizable based on your taste.
Variations
This banana cake is versatile and lends itself well to creative variations.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for texture and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or swirl Nutella into the batter for a richer dessert.
- Turn the cake into cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined muffin tins and baking for 18 to 22 minutes.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter, non-dairy milk, and coconut yogurt.
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you prefer a different nutty flavor in the frosting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This banana cake with peanut butter chocolate frosting stores well and can be made in advance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
- The frosting can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip with a mixer before spreading on the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is rich and indulgent enough to be served as a standalone dessert, but you can pair it with a few simple sides or toppings to elevate the presentation.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- Drizzle with a warm chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Top with chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate curls for a decorative finish.
- Add sliced bananas or fresh berries on top for a fruity accent.
This cake also works beautifully as a birthday cake or celebration dessert. It has just the right balance of sweetness and comfort to please both kids and adults.
Why This Cake Works
This banana cake stands out because it combines classic, nostalgic flavors with a gourmet twist. The moist banana base is a familiar favorite, but pairing it with a frosting that blends chocolate and peanut butter takes it into dessert heaven. The chocolate adds richness, the peanut butter provides depth, and the combination with banana feels both comforting and indulgent. The texture is soft yet sturdy, making it easy to slice and serve, and the frosting is smooth, thick, and full of flavor.
It is also a flexible recipe that can be adapted for different diets, events, or preferences. Whether you are baking for a weekend treat or a special gathering, this cake hits the mark every time.