Name: Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-491326H58M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (114g) all purpose flour; 1 cup (207g) sugar; 6 tbsp (43g) cocoa powder; 1 1/8 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (120ml) milk; 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil; 3/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water; 1-2 bananas, sliced; 1/4 cup caramel sauce; 1/4 cup chocolate sauce; 1 pint Bananas Foster ENLIGHTENED Ice Cream; 1 pint Cold Brew Coffee ENLIGHTENED Ice Cream; 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tsp powdered instant espresso; Banana chips for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 24 reviews

There is nothing quite as indulgent and refreshing as this Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe. Combining rich cocoa cake with layers of luscious bananas, mocha-infused whipped cream, and two distinct flavors of ice cream, it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and chill all in one. Perfect for sunny afternoons or cozy gatherings, this cake is guaranteed to win over anyone who loves a mix of vibrant coffee notes, creamy banana, and silky chocolate. Let me take you through every delicious detail of making this showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round cake on a white cake stand, placed on a yellow napkin over a white marbled surface. The cake has two visible layers: a bottom dark chocolate layer and a thicker creamy beige top layer with a slightly rough texture. Around the base of the cake, there are small dark chocolate chips forming a ring. On top, there are evenly spaced swirls of beige cream, each topped with a thin, curved slice of dried banana. The background is softly blurred with warm brown tones, highlighting the cake in the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each component adds a unique element—from the deep cocoa flavor to the fresh banana sweetness and the subtle coffee kick that elevates the whole dessert.

All purpose flour (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp): The base for your cake, providing structure and soft crumb.
Sugar (1 cup): Adds the essential sweetness and contributes to a tender texture.
Cocoa powder (6 tbsp): Gives the cake its rich, chocolaty depth and beautiful color.
Baking soda (1 1/8 tsp) and baking powder (1/4 tsp): Essential leavening agents that ensure a light and fluffy cake.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances flavors, enhancing the sweetness and chocolate notes.
Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
Vanilla extract (3/4 tsp): A subtle flavor enhancer that lifts the entire cake.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s richness.
Hot water (1/2 cup): Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a smooth batter.
Bananas (1-2, sliced): Fresh fruit layers that bring natural sweetness and soft texture.
Caramel sauce (1/4 cup): Adds a buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the bananas.
Chocolate sauce (1/4 cup): Deepens the chocolate experience with a luscious drizzle.
Bananas Foster ENLIGHTENED Ice cream (1 pint): Rich, creamy, and banana-packed, this ice cream is a standout layer.
Cold Brew Coffee ENLIGHTENED Ice cream (1 pint): Brings that smooth coffee edge that balances the sweetness brilliantly.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup, cold): Whipped into a heavenly topping with just the right texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream softly and evenly.
Powdered instant espresso (2 tsp): Adds a fragrant coffee punch to the whipped cream.
Banana chips: Provide a satisfying crunch and a beautiful garnish.

How to Make Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layer

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepping an 8-inch cake pan with non-stick spray and parchment paper at the bottom. Combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the egg. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot water, mixing well until the batter is evenly combined. Pour it into your prepared pan and bake for about 27-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool fully after baking, as this will make layering much easier.

Step 2: Assemble the Ice Cream Layers

Using the same 8-inch pan (lined with parchment paper and a cardboard cake circle to lift the finished cake out), trim the cake dome off so you have a flat layer. Place this cake base in the pan. Next, lay the sliced bananas evenly over the cake. Drizzle both the caramel and chocolate sauces generously on top of the bananas for an extra layer of lusciousness that will soak into the cake and fruit.

Step 3: Add the Ice Cream!

Allow the Bananas Foster and Cold Brew Coffee ice creams to soften slightly so you can spread them easily. Spoon half of the bananas foster ice cream over the banana and sauce layer and spread smoothly. Then, do the same with the cold brew coffee ice cream, creating distinct layers of flavor that cool and blend perfectly once frozen.

Step 4: Freeze the Cake Layer

Place your assembled cake into the freezer and let it firm up solid, which will take about 5 to 6 hours. This step is crucial to maintain the clean layers and ease handling in the next steps.

Step 5: Prepare the Mocha Whipped Cream

Whip together the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and instant espresso powder until stiff peaks form. This mocha whipped cream will add a wonderful lightness and coffee flavor in contrast with the rich ice cream layers.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Decoration

Remove the frozen cake from the pan using the parchment overhang or lift it with the cardboard base. Lightly frost the entire cake with a thin layer of mocha whipped cream. Using a piping bag, create swirls or decorative borders along the top edge, then sprinkle with crunchy banana chips for texture and visual appeal. Pop it back into the freezer until you’re ready to wow your guests.

How to Serve Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe

A slice of cake with two main layers sits on a white plate with a vintage silver fork beside it. The bottom layer is dark brown, moist, and slightly dense, with some lighter spots suggesting texture inside. The top layer is thick, smooth, and light beige, looking creamy and firm. On top of the cake, there are three swirls of light brown frosting, each decorated with a thin yellow chip. Drizzles of dark brown and golden caramel sauce run over the frosting and onto the plate below, adding color contrast. The plate rests on a bright yellow cloth, and the background is a soft white marbled texture, with a white cake stand and an out-of-focus bowl also present. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh banana slices, a light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, and banana chips all make fantastic garnishes. They add visual interest and a variety of textures that enhance each bite of the Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of extra ice cream for those who want even more indulgence. Fresh fruit salad with berries can also bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a dollop of espresso whipped cream on top and some chocolate shavings for a café-inspired flair. For parties, cut into small squares and serve with tiny spoons as bite-sized frozen treats. This Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the freezer. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the cake tasting fresh for weeks.

Freezing

Because this is an ice cream cake, it is best enjoyed directly from the freezer. Make sure your freezer temperature stays steady to preserve the ice cream layers and cake texture perfectly.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for this Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe, since it is designed to be a frozen dessert. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier slicing and a creamier texture.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of ice cream for this cake?

Absolutely! While the Bananas Foster and Cold Brew Coffee ice creams are perfect for this recipe’s flavor profile, you can swap in other flavors that complement banana and chocolate, like vanilla bean, caramel swirl, or even a rich espresso ice cream.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a regular cake pan lined with plastic wrap on the bottom and sides to lift the cake out easily once frozen, as described in the recipe. Just make sure the pan size matches your cake layer well.

How long does it take to freeze the assembled cake?

To achieve the perfect firmness for slicing, freeze the cake for at least 5 to 6 hours. Overnight freezing works great if you want to prepare it a day ahead.

Can I make the cake part a day ahead?

Definitely. The chocolate cake can be baked up to a day in advance and kept wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before assembling the full ice cream cake.

Is there a non-dairy way to make this banana mocha ice cream cake recipe?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milks, oils, and dairy-free ice creams. Use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and instant espresso for the mocha whipped topping. The textures and flavors will still shine deliciously.

Final Thoughts

Once you take a bite of this Banana Mocha Ice Cream Cake Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a standout dessert for any occasion. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, rich, and refreshing all rolled into one unforgettable cake. I encourage you to try making it yourself and delight your friends and family with every luscious slice. You’ll find it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!