Chocolate Banana Layer Cake

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder until well combined. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins In a separate bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread evenly. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 30 mins Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. (30 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. (10 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 1 mins Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. (1 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder until well combined. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and frost with about one-third of the frosting. (3 minutes)

Recipe View 2 mins Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the frosting. (2 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Place the second cake layer on top of the bananas and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. (5 minutes)

Recipe View 3 mins Decorate the cake with additional banana slices, if desired. (3 minutes)