If you are craving a dessert that effortlessly blends the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with pockets of melty chocolate, this Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with comforting banana flavor and studded throughout with chocolate chips that add just the right amount of indulgence. This cake feels like a warm hug on a plate and is fantastic for everything from casual family snacks to celebratory gatherings. Once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cake plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. They’re straightforward staples you probably have on hand, which makes this recipe a breeze to prepare anytime the craving strikes.
- Mashed ripe bananas: About 1 ½ cups, or 3 medium bananas, for natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups to provide structure and softness.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon to give that extra lift and a light crumb.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened for rich flavor and tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup to add sweetness and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
- Eggs: 2 large, to bind ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon for warm, aromatic depth.
- Sour cream: ½ cup, or plain Greek yogurt, to add moisture and a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: 1 cup, plus extra for topping, for pockets of melty chocolate bliss.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your moist cake doesn’t stick and slides out perfectly once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mix is what gives your cake its perfect rise and tender texture, so take a moment to make sure everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step traps air and gives your cake its wonderfully tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream, mixing until everything forms a smooth, luscious batter that promises incredible flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid a tough cake. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips gently so every slice will be studded with gooey chocolate gems.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. If you like, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a gorgeous finish that adds even more melty chocolate goodness. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing — this step lets the flavors settle and the texture set just right. Serve it as is, or dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze for a lovely, elegant touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is deliciously flexible when it comes to garnishes. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish. You can also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra creamy layer of flavor that complements the banana and chocolate perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cool contrast to the warm, sweet cake. Fresh berries or a side of lightly toasted nuts add a nice texture contrast and balance the richness of the cake wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, cut the cake into small squares or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes. Serve it on a pretty platter with edible flowers or alongside a pot of your favorite tea for an inviting dessert table that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge is also fine, though bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and melty chocolate experience that makes this cake so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work just fine as long as they’re fully thawed and well mashed. They add excellent moisture and sweetness to the cake, so no need to worry if fresh ones aren’t available.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds similar moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have either, you could use buttermilk or even a splash of milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
Is this cake good for freezing and eating later?
Definitely. This cake is not only freeze-friendly but tastes just as wonderful after thawing, making it perfect for batch baking or prepping dessert ahead of time.
What type of chocolate chips is best?
Semisweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance with the sweet bananas, but feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or even dark chocolate depending on your taste. Each gives a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for texture, or add a small amount separately to replicate the structure.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a recipe that combines the best of banana bread and cake with an irresistible chocolate chip twist, this Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe is a must-try. It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for sharing with those you love. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become a beloved classic in your home just like it is in mine.
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Chocolate Chip Banana Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Chocolate Chip Banana Cake combines ripe mashed bananas with semisweet chocolate chips in a tender buttery cake. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, it’s easy to make and baked to perfection with a soft crumb and delightful chocolate bursts.
Ingredients
Banana Cake Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside; this will help the leavening agents be evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, incorporating air to create a tender cake texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain the mixture’s consistency. Then mix in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until everything is combined smoothly.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until blended to avoid overworking the batter. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a light glaze for added sweetness.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and healthier option.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before cutting to achieve clean slices.
- Adding extra chocolate chips on top before baking gives a beautiful, melty chocolate finish.
