Ina Garten's Banana Cake Recipe

Is there anything better than enjoying a sweet slice of homemade cake with a cold glass of milk? How about chocolate banana cake with cream cheese frosting? We didn't think so. It's no secret that Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, knows her way around the kitchen. From classics to new takes on old favorites, you're sure to eat well if you follow along with one of her recipes. All the same, little tweaks to tried and true recipes are always a fun way to experiment and get creative in your own kitchen.

Recipe developer Autumn LeAnn did her own spin on a classic treat you will be absolutely obsessed with. LeAnn turned Ina Garten's old-fashioned banana cake into a decadent chocolatey treat that's perfect to whip up for a backyard get-together, casual birthday celebration, or even afternoon tea time. A few simple tweaks turn Garten's traditional cake into a chocolate lover's dream come true. Thankfully, no extra steps are involved, and the cake is still simple and quick to make — although it looks like it came straight from a bakery case. It's rich enough to be an incredibly satisfying dessert, and the banana content makes it feel like a wholesome breakfast option. (Isn't cream cheese frosting basically the same thing as a bagel with cream cheese, anyway?)

If you're already hooked on the idea of Ina Garten's old-fashioned banana cake with a twist, we have you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it.

Start by gathering the wet ingredients. First off, you'll of course need ripe bananas. (Spottier ones have more sugars and blend smoothly.) A mix of white granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelized aromas. You'll also need a neutral vegetable oil. If you're used to using coconut oil, LeAnn says, "Melted coconut oil could be used, but [it] may impact the texture of the cake a bit." Next, extra-large eggs bind the ingredients for a fluffy consistency. Sour cream adds moisture to baked goods, but if you want a substitute, "plain Greek yogurt could be used," as per LeAnn. Pure vanilla extract adds just the right touch of warm sweetness. For a citrusy contrast and fragrant notes, grate orange zest into the cake batter.

As for the dry ingredients, all-purpose flour and cocoa powder create a chocolatey base. If you want your cake to rise, don't forget the baking soda! A pinch of salt in baked goods is the unexpected touch that enhances other flavors. If you like a bit of crunch in your cake, add some walnut pieces. If you don't like walnuts, LeAnn says, "Peanuts or pecans would be great choices." Be sure to include chocolate chips in the batter.

Cream cheese, unsalted butter, and confectioner's sugars combine for a simply delicious frosting. If you're craving more chocolate, LeAnn recommends "substituting ¼ cup of the confectioner's sugar with cocoa powder in the frosting."

In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the mixture is uniform in color so that the cocoa is evenly distributed into the flour. Then, turn the mixer to the low speed, and slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet batter. Continue mixing at low until they have just combined. Be sure not to over-mix to keep the batter light and fluffy. After all, no one wants to chew their way through a dense and gummy cake!

While you wait for the cake to cool down, get the frosting ready. You'll need to use the electric mixer with the paddle attachment again. Add the cream cheese, butter, and the remaining vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix at low speed without whipping until the ingredients are combined. Then, add in the confectioner's sugar, or for the ultimate chocolate delight, follow LeAnn's advice and use part sugar, part cocoa powder. Mix the sugar in until the frosting is smooth, and you are ready to decorate your cake. 

Using a spatula, spread the frosting in a thick layer to cover the entire top of the cake. To decorate (and add a satisfying sweet crunch), sprinkle some walnut halves and chocolate chips over the top. This will create a truly picture-perfect presentation you will be so proud to show off to your guests.