ChocoNana Dream Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)

For Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter). Mix until well combined.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. If making chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake.
10. Slice and serve the cake once the ganache has set, if using. Enjoy your delicious banana chocolate cake!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness or cocoa intensity according to your preference. Enjoy baking!