Banana Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
A freshly baked Banana Cake is truly hard to beat, and this Banana Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream is definitely pretty unbeatable! The soft and tender texture of the Banana Cake beautifully complements the rich and luscious flavour of the Chocolate Buttercream, resulting in an irresistible dessert that is sure to satisfy everyone.
First, what are Sheet Cakes?
Sheet Cakes are cakes baked in a rectangular pan and are often used for large gatherings, as they yield a larger cake that are easily portioned. Here’s just a few reasons why I love making Sheet Cakes
- Easy to make: Sheet cakes are generally easy to make and you can bake them quickly in a large pan.
- Feeds a crowd: They’re the perfect cake for a crowd, as they can be cut into lots of manageable servings.
- Customizable: I love to make sheet cakes with a combination of my favourite cakes and frostings. One of my favourite sheet cakes is made using my Simply Perfect Chocolate Cake
- They’re convenient to serve: Sheet cakes can be cut into slices and served directly from the pan, making them a convenient option for parties and picnics.
- Portable: Sheet cakes can be transported easily in the pan, making them the perfect cake choice for picnics, fetes or for when you’re asked to bring dessert.
Equipment for Making a Banana Sheet Cake
Before getting started, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare:
- A 22 x 33 cm (9 x13 inch) sheet cake pan
- Baking/Parchment paper
- Digital scales
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or handheld mixer)
To prepare the pan, grease the bottom and sides with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove the banana cake from the pan once baked.
Ingredients you will need to make a Banana Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
Let’s dive into the ingredients required for both the cake and buttercream. It’s important to note that each ingredient has a crucial role in determining the ultimate flavor and texture of the end result.
Banana Cake:
- Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavour to the cake.
- Buttermilk: Gives a softer texture to the banana cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicious, subtle flavour.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- Plain Flour: Provides structure and helps create the texture of the cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavours.
Chocolate Buttercream:
- Butter: Provides richness and flavour to the buttercream.
- Icing (Powdered) sugar: Sweetens the buttercream and creates a smooth texture.
- Cocoa powder: Adds chocolate flavour and color to the buttercream.
- Heavy cream: Helps thin out the buttercream and make it spreadable, as well as adding richness.
- Dark chocolate: Adds depth of flavour and richness to the buttercream.
Don’t forget to weigh your ingredients, to ensure accuracy and consistency in your baking.
Banana and Chocolate Flavour Combination
Bananas and chocolate are a classic flavour combination that work so well together. The sweetness of the ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the rich and decadent flavour of the chocolate. The banana cake also adds a subtle flavor that goes so well with the chocolate buttercream. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Why you will Love This Banana Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, you must try this Banana Sheet Cake with Chocolate Buttercream! The cake is so soft and tender and pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate buttercream. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’m sure you’ll make it again and again! And if you do try it, don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram.
Happy baking!
Banana Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
Banana Cake
- 125 g unsalted butter room temperature
- 360 g caster sugar
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed should make around 1½ cups
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g plain cake flour regular plain flour is fine too
- 1 tsp bicarbonate soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
Chocolate Frosting
- 100 g melted chocolate, cooled
- 125 g unsalted butter room temp
- 200 g pure icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 20 g cocoa
- 2 tbsp cream Preferably at room temp *see notes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Banana Cake
- Pre heat oven to 180° celsius and line a 23cm x 33cm pan
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy
- Add the eggs, banana and vanilla and mix until well combined
- Sift the dry ingredients together
- With the mixer on low, add the sifted ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared rectangular cake pan. I used a 23cm x 33cm pan and sprayed it with cooking oil, then lined with baking paper.
- Bake for 25-30 mins, until a cake tester comes out clean
- Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, before turning out onto a cooling rack, to cool completely
Chocolate Frosting
- Using your paddle attachment in your stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and creamy
- Add the remaining ingredients, then beat on low for 20-30 seconds, slowly increasing to high. Beat for another 2-3 minutes, scraping the bowl halfway through.
- Spread over the cooled cake
This is an amazing cake! So light and paired with the chocolate buttercream (which is equally as light) has become a fan favorite. I’m the one who randomly brings cakes to the workplace and this has become one of the most requested!