Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes

Why Make This Recipe

Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes are the perfect treat for anyone who loves chocolate and bananas. They are rich, creamy, and have a delightful texture. This dessert is great for special occasions or just when you want to indulge yourself. Easy to share, these small cakes will impress your friends and family with their delicious layers and beautiful presentation.

How to Make Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot coffee (or water)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp gelatin (or 1 tbsp agar-agar)
• 2 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream for ganache
• 100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• Banana slices for garnish
• Chocolate shavings for garnish
• Chocolate pieces for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease a cake sheet pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Add the buttermilk to this mixture.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Finally, add the hot coffee. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Allow it to cool, then cut it into small rounds.
6. To prepare the banana mousse, mash the bananas until smooth. Sprinkle gelatin over water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Warm it until dissolved.
7. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
8. Mix the mashed bananas with the dissolved gelatin, then gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream. Chill for 20 minutes.
9. Assemble the cakes: Place one chocolate cake round on the bottom. Add a thick layer of banana mousse. Top it with another cake round. Chill to set.
10. To make the ganache, heat the cream until it just simmers. Pour it over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
11. Pour the ganache over the cakes so it drips beautifully down the sides.
12. For garnishing, pipe a swirl of banana mousse or whipped cream on top. Decorate with banana slices, chocolate shavings, and a chocolate shard.
13. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes

These cakes are best served chilled. Place them on a nice plate and add any extra garnishes you like. They make a great dessert for parties or gatherings. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes

You can store these cakes in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay good for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them, but be mindful that the texture may change after thawing.

Tips to Make Mini Chocolate Banana Mousse Cakes

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
• For a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate in your ganache.
• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for better results.
• Feel free to mix in some crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the banana mousse for added texture.

Variation

You can customize these cakes by adding different flavors to the mousse. For example, consider mixing in some peanut butter or Nutella for a unique twist. You could also use a different type of chocolate for the ganache, like white chocolate, for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make these cakes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the cakes a day ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of flour?
You can try using whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that this may change the texture of the cakes slightly.

What can I use instead of gelatin?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Just follow the package instructions for the equivalent measurement.