Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this incredible Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting. The perfectly moist, tender banana cake infused with the nutty richness of hazelnuts comes alive with a luxuriously creamy Nutella frosting swirled with cocoa and a hint of sour cream. It’s the ultimate treat that combines familiar comfort flavors in a way that’s both nostalgic and a little decadent—trust me, once you’ve tasted this, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for every occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet carefully chosen ingredients are the magic behind the flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma of the Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting. Each element plays an essential role—from the ripe bananas offering natural sweetness and softness, to the ground hazelnuts adding subtle crunch and warmth, and of course the Nutella that brings it all together with creamy, chocolate-hazelnut bliss.

• Bananas (3 cups mashed, about 6 medium): The star of the cake, providing moisture, sweetness, and flavor depth.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds balanced sweetness and helps create the tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar (1 cup, lightly packed): Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moistness.
• Vegetable oil (1 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
• Large eggs (4 at room temperature): Bind everything together and add structure.
• Sour cream (1 cup for batter plus 1/2 cup for frosting): Adds tanginess, richness, and keeps the cake tender.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp for batter, 1 tsp for frosting): Enhances all the flavors elegantly.
• Baking soda (2 tsp): Leavens the cake for a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• All-purpose flour (4 cups): The foundation for a sturdy but tender crumb.
• Ground hazelnuts or hazelnut meal (2 cups): Adds nutty depth and a subtle texture contrast.
• Unsalted butter (8 Tbsp, room temperature): Key for a silky, smooth Nutella frosting.
• Nutella (13 oz jar): The luscious chocolate-hazelnut star of the frosting.
• Confectioner’s sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting.
• Heavy cream or milk (1/4 cup): Adjusts frosting consistency to your liking.

How to Make Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying two 9-inch nonstick cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles to ensure your cakes come out perfectly every time without sticking. This prep step is simple but crucial!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined. This combination creates a luscious base full of natural sweetness and moisture. Then add in the vegetable oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, beating everything until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to get all the goodness mixed in.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully

With your mixer set to low speed, gradually add the baking soda and salt, followed by the flour, one cup at a time. This slow mixing helps prevent overworking the batter, keeping your cake tender. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in the ground hazelnuts with a spatula to evenly distribute their nutty flavor and texture throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, checking with a toothpick around the 40-minute mark. Ideally, it should come out moist but without wet batter clinging to it. This perfect balance keeps your cake moist without being underbaked.

Step 5: Cool Before Frosting

After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes to settle. Then carefully remove them onto a wire rack to cool completely before you even think about frosting. This step is key to prevent your frosting from melting and sliding off.

Step 6: Make the Nutella Frosting

For the irresistible Nutella frosting, cream together the butter, Nutella, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Slowly beat in the confectioner’s sugar and cocoa powder to build flavor and thickness, then mix in the heavy cream (or milk) to adjust the consistency to perfectly spreadable. If your frosting feels too thick, just add a splash more cream; if too thin, a little extra powdered sugar will help. For an easy, mess-free method, pop all ingredients into a food processor for a silky finish!

Step 7: Frost and Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes are completely cool, generously frost the first layer, then stack the second cake on top. Finish frosting the top and sides, smoothing out the frosting or creating lovely texture with a spatula or knife. The creamy Nutella frosting contrasts beautifully with the moist banana cake, making every bite pure delight.

How to Serve Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by adding some simple yet stunning garnishes. Toasted hazelnuts sprinkled on top add an inviting crunch and highlight the nutty aroma. Fresh banana slices arranged neatly or a light dusting of cocoa powder can make your cake look irresistible and add extra visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to enhance its richness. A fresh berry compote or sliced strawberries can add a refreshing brightness that balances the sweet, creamy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this cake as individual cupcakes or mini layer cakes, making it perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You can also use the frosting as a dip for banana slices or toast to spread the joy of this delicious flavor combination beyond the cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. Refrigeration helps preserve the frosting but can slightly firm up the cake, so bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake ahead or save leftovers for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To thaw, transfer the cake to the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature before serving to regain its soft, moist glory.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked sensation after storage or freezing, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or the whole cake at a low temperature in the oven. This will bring back the melt-in-your-mouth softness and slightly revive the Nutella frosting’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use ripe bananas that are too mushy?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for banana cake because they’re naturally sweeter and easier to mash, which contributes to a moist, flavorful cake.

Is it possible to make the Nutella frosting nut-free?

Since Nutella contains hazelnuts, swapping it for a chocolate-hazelnut-free spread like a chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting can make it nut-free, but note the flavor will change significantly.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

You can, but keep in mind vegetable oil makes the cake extra moist and tender. If you use melted butter instead, the cake might be a bit denser but still delicious.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Be sure not to overbake, and store the cake properly in an airtight container. The sour cream and oil help keep it moist, so maintaining the recipe ratios helps as well.

Can Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting be made gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder, you can make this cake safe for gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing too much texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about a slice of Banana Cake with Nutella Frosting. It’s the perfect blend of familiar flavors with a little surprising twist that makes it impossible to stop at just one bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special celebration, this cake promises smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite dessert in no time!

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