Name: Brown Butter Banana Cake with Chocolate Caramel Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 sticks salted butter; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 cup honey; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup maple syrup; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 bars (3.2 ounce each) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Flaked sea salt (optional); Chocolate shavings, for topping

Introduction

This Brown Butter Banana Cake with Chocolate Caramel Frosting is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. The nutty flavor of browned butter combined with ripe bananas makes the cake moist and flavorful, while the rich chocolate caramel frosting adds a decadent finish. Perfect for any occasion or a special treat at home.

A round chocolate cake with two visible layers is shown, covered thickly with smooth, creamy chocolate frosting that has textured swirls on top. The top is decorated with dark chocolate shavings scattered all over, adding a rough texture. There are also a few dried red rose petals placed on top for color contrast and decoration. One large slice is cut and slightly pulled out, showing the rich chocolate layers inside. The cake sits on a metal rack placed over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas, mashed

2 sticks salted butter

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup honey

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

Chocolate shavings, for topping

1 cup maple syrup

1 cup heavy cream

2 bars (3.2 ounce each) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Flaked sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter and allow it to brown lightly until it smells toasted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, browned butter, eggs, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to the banana mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the centers are just set.

Step 6: Remove cakes from oven and cool for a few minutes in the pans. Run a knife around the edges, then turn the cakes out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: To prepare the frosting, bring the maple syrup to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Boil for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Reduce heat to medium-high and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the mixture thickens to a caramel-like sauce. Remove from heat.

Step 9: Whisk in chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and flaked sea salt if using. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer until cold.

Step 10: Use an electric mixer to whip the chilled frosting for 2-5 minutes until it lightens in color and becomes creamy.

Step 11: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting. Repeat with the second layer and frost the sides of the cake.

Step 12: Top the cake with chocolate shavings. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.

For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly.

To make the frosting thicker, chill it longer before whipping.

Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make the frosting dairy-free.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of honey in the cake?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar, but the cake’s flavor and moisture may differ slightly since honey adds both sweetness and moisture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The center should be just set but not wet.