Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Layer Cake
Inspired by Elvis Presley's notorious love for peanut butter and banana sandwiches, this Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Layer Cake is a tribute to his culinary favorites. The cake swirls together rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the delightful sweetness of ripe bananas for a perfect harmony of flavors. Each bite evokes nostalgia, ideal for special occasions or a delightful weekday treat. Serve with a tall glass of cold milk to experience the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or honoring a legend, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy all chocolate and peanut butter lovers alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
8 tablespoons (softened)
creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons (for frosting)
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (for frosting)
banana
1/2 (mashed for frosting)
creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup (for cake batter)
bananas
3 (mashed for cake batter)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for cake batter)
water
1/2 cup (for cake batter, adjust as needed)
large eggs
2 (for cake batter)
cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (for cake batter)
devil's food cake mix
1 (18 3/4 ounce) package (without pudding, for cake batter)
chopped peanuts
1/2 cup (for cake batter and decoration)
peanuts
2 tablespoons (chopped medium fine for decoration)
dried banana pieces
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the frosting: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and a splash of milk, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Fold in 1/2 mashed banana until well combined, leaving some small lumps for texture. Cover and chill the frosting until ready to use.
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or use a baking spray for easy release. Set aside.
3
For the cake batter, in a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 3 mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and water using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is mostly smooth with just a few small banana pieces.
4
Lower the mixer speed and incorporate the eggs, cocoa powder, and devil's food cake mix. Once combined, increase the speed to medium-high and mix for an additional minute or until the batter is well blended. If the batter seems too thick, gradually add more water until you reach desired consistency. Gently fold in the chopped peanuts, if desired.
5
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6
When the cakes are completely cooled, remove the chilled frosting from the fridge and generously frost the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the frosting and garnish with dried banana chips on top for each slice. Once assembled, refrigerate until ready to serve, keeping it chilled to maintain freshness. This cake is also versatile; feel free to create cupcakes or a sheet cake version if preferred!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Layer Cake?
The cake is inspired by Elvis Presley's famous love for peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
What flavor combination does this cake feature?
It features a harmony of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet ripe bananas.
How many layers does this recipe make?
The recipe makes a two-layer cake using 9-inch round pans.
What type of cake mix is required?
You need one 18 3/4 ounce package of devil's food cake mix without pudding.
How many bananas are needed for the cake batter?
The cake batter requires 3 mashed bananas.
How much mashed banana is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1/2 of a mashed banana.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What is the baking time for the cake layers?
The cakes should bake for 15-20 minutes.
What size cake pans are recommended?
The recipe calls for two 9-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the cake pans before baking?
Grease and flour the pans or use a baking spray for easy release.
What kind of peanut butter is used in this recipe?
Creamy peanut butter is used for both the cake batter and the frosting.
How much peanut butter is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 4 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter.
How much peanut butter is added to the cake batter?
The cake batter requires 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter.
What are the ingredients for the peanut butter banana frosting?
The frosting is made from butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and mashed banana.
Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
Yes, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts into the batter if desired.
How do I know when the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
The cakes should cool in the pans for 10 minutes before being moved to a wire rack.
Should this cake be refrigerated?
Yes, the cake should be refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain its freshness.
What is suggested for garnishing the cake slices?
You can garnish each slice with chopped peanuts and dried banana chips.
Are there other ways to bake this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and can be made into cupcakes or a sheet cake.
What beverage is recommended to serve with this cake?
It is recommended to serve the cake with a tall glass of cold milk.
How many eggs are used in the cake batter?
The recipe uses 2 large eggs.
How much cocoa powder is added to the batter?
Two tablespoons of cocoa powder are incorporated into the cake batter.
How much butter is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 8 tablespoons of softened butter.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting.
What type of oil is used in the cake?
The batter uses 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Should the banana in the frosting be perfectly smooth?
No, the banana should be mashed but can have small lumps for added texture.
How many total ingredients are listed in this recipe?
The recipe lists a total of 14 ingredients.
How much water is added to the cake batter?
The recipe starts with 1/2 cup of water, which can be adjusted to reach the desired consistency.
When should the frosting be prepared?
The frosting should be prepared first and chilled until the cakes are ready to be assembled.