Dirty Banana Cake: A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion
Indulging in a slice of Dirty Banana Cake is like embarking on a tropical getaway for your taste buds, where the delightful combination of moist banana layers, creamy buttercream, and a wickedly rich coffee frosting leaves you craving more. This three-layer banana cake, filled with luscious banana buttercream and enveloped in an airy espresso frosting, is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor that will make your guests swoon. Whether youβre celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake is a true showstopper thatβs sure to impress.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 2 hours |
| Category | Dessert |
| Servings | 12 |
| Rating | β β β β β (5/5) |
| Calories | 672.8 |
| Fat Content | 41.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 195.5 mg |
| Sodium | 682.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71.4 g |
| Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugar | 51 g |
| Protein | 7.2 g |
Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to create this delightful dessert:
For the Banana Cake
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 4 tbsp | Unsalted butter, softened |
| 1 1/3 cups | Granulated sugar |
| 4 | Large eggs |
| 3 ripe | Bananas, mashed |
| 1/2 cup | Buttermilk |
| 1 cup | Plain yogurt |
For the Banana Buttercream Filling
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Large egg yolks |
| 1 cup | Confectioners’ sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Milk |
| 1 banana | Ripe, for flavor |
For the Coffee Frosting
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Granulated sugar |
| 1 cup | Egg whites |
| 1 cup | Unsalted butter, softened |
| 2 tbsp | Instant espresso powder |
| 1 tbsp | Hot water |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1/4 cup | Chocolate-covered coffee beans |
Instructions
Creating the Dirty Banana Cake involves several steps, but each one is straightforward and rewarding, resulting in a truly delicious cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by positioning your oven rack in the bottom third and preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). While the oven warms up, take a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan, line the bottom with wax paper, and grease it thoroughly. If you’re using a springform pan that doesnβt seal tightly, consider wrapping the bottom with foil to prevent any leakage during baking.
Step 2: Make the Banana Cake
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step not only combines the dry ingredients but also helps aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter cake. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. One by one, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition for about a minute.
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas and stir in the buttermilk until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar blend, alternating with the banana mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Donβt worry if the batter looks slightly curdled; this is perfectly normal. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula, and bake for approximately one hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For best results, make the cake a day ahead, allowing it to cool, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the Banana Buttercream Filling
While the cake cools, turn your attention to the banana buttercream filling. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and confectioners’ sugar at high speed until the mixture turns pale and thick. Meanwhile, heat the milk and a mashed banana in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking occasionally until it reaches a gentle boil. Carefully whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about five minutes, taking care not to let it boil.
Once thickened, transfer the custard to a medium bowl and allow it to cool briefly while whisking occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate the custard until it is thoroughly chilledβthis will take at least three hours or can be made overnight. When ready to finish, bring the custard close to room temperature to avoid curdling the buttercream. In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter at high speed until fluffy, then gradually mix in the cold banana custard, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Finally, beat in the espresso powder for an extra kick.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once the banana cake has completely cooled, carefully split it into three equal layers, which will be quite thin but manageable. Place the first layer on a serving plate and generously cover it with half of the banana buttercream filling. Top with the second layer of cake and spread the remaining filling over it. Finally, place the third layer on top, cover the cake with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it while you prepare the coffee frosting.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Frosting
To create the luscious coffee frosting, begin by beating the sugar and egg whites in a large, heatproof bowl until they are well mixed. Place this bowl over a large saucepan of simmering water, ensuring that the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk occasionally until the sugar dissolves, about five minutes. Once dissolved, remove the bowl from the heat and beat at high speed until fluffy, approximately three minutes.
Allow the meringue to cool to the touch, about five minutes, then begin adding the softened butter a few pieces at a time, waiting for each addition to be fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue whipping the frosting until it becomes light and fluffy; if it appears lumpy, beat it at high speed until smooth. Should the mixture be soft and runny, refrigerate it for 6-8 minutes, then whip again. Once perfect, mix in the espresso powder and vanilla extract until blended. Set aside half a cup of the frosting for decorating later.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
Spread the remaining coffee frosting generously over the top and sides of the cake, creating a beautiful finish. With the reserved frosting, use a pastry bag fitted with a star tip to pipe rosettes along the top edge of the cake. For an elegant touch, place a chocolate-covered espresso bean in the center of each rosette.
Step 7: Serve
To serve this masterpiece, slice gently with a serrated knife, taking care to maintain the integrity of the layers. Enjoy the cake fresh or refrigerate it for up to one day before servingβallow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour before slicing for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
The Dirty Banana Cake is not just a dessert; itβs an experience, a blend of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. With its moist banana layers, rich buttercream, and decadent coffee frosting, itβs the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and create a cake that is bound to be a favorite among family and friends alike.
This recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also delivers an impressive presentation that is sure to be the highlight of your dessert table. Enjoy baking and, most importantly, enjoy indulging in every delicious bite!
