Chocolate Banana Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the mashed bananas.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 12

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 309
Fat: 12.8g
Carbohydrates: 44.9g
Protein: 3.9g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can use margarine or vegetable oil
- Buttermilk: Can use plain yogurt or milk
- Chocolate Chips: Can use chopped nuts or dried fruit

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the batter for a peanut butter chocolate banana cake
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor
- Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream
- Drizzle with melted chocolate

Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh fruit
- Caramel sauce

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of buttermilk or milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before using.

Food History:
Bananas have been cultivated for thousands of years and are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Chocolate has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in Central and South America.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and rich flavor from the combination of chocolate and banana.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolaty, Banana, Moist