If you’ve been on the hunt for that perfect treat to make your day brighter and your taste buds happier, look no further than this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe. It’s a joyful mash-up of soft, moist banana cake dotted generously with melty chocolate chips, creating a harmony of sweet and rich flavors that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack, a dessert to impress, or just a way to use up those ripe bananas, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple kitchen staples that come together to make something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that adds richness to the ripe bananas that bring fruity sweetness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas: These bananas add natural sweetness and keep the cake moist and tender.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy texture and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light crumb.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tanginess.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its body and soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just the right lift for fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces a cozy warmth that complements the bananas.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping): The star ingredient that creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout.
How to Make Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. You want your pan ready to go, so grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan well or line it with parchment paper. This helps your cake slip out easily when it’s done baking, keeping those beautiful edges perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and just a little cloud-like. This process traps air, giving your cake a tender crumb and a slightly sweet base that supports the banana flavor wonderfully.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, Bananas, and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that fluffy texture. Next, stir in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until everything is beautifully combined into a smooth, luscious batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This step ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices, so your cake rises uniformly and carries that gentle cinnamon undertone in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix here; you want to keep the batter tender and light.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re scattered throughout the batter. Don’t forget to sprinkle some more on top for a beautiful, chocolate-studded finish that melts into a perfect cake crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling step helps the flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe by topping slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A few extra chocolate chips on top or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and extra dimension to each serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy cup of coffee or chai tea. The warm spices and chocolate in the cake harmonize beautifully with a simple beverage or refreshing fruit salad for brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your banana chocolate cake into a layered dessert by slicing the cooled cake horizontally and spreading sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone between layers. Or cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them on a skewer with fresh banana slices and chocolate drizzle for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the leftover Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh without drying out, making it perfect for snack time or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole or sliced into portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or airtight container. When stored properly, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two months—perfect for prepping ahead or saving for later indulgence.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. For that fresh-baked feel, pop slices in a toaster oven or oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to restore that tender crumb and melty chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a tangy alternative to sour cream. Both options keep the cake moist and provide a similar texture, so feel free to swap based on what you have on hand.
What type of bananas work best for this banana cake?
Ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots are your best friends here. They’re sweeter and more flavorful, which makes your cake naturally delicious without adding extra sugar.
Can I add nuts to this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans are fantastic additions! Stir in about a half cup to the batter for a lovely crunch and a nutty hint that complements the chocolate and bananas perfectly.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a one-to-one ratio. Just keep in mind that some blends may alter the texture slightly, so make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for best results.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this banana cake stays moist and tasty for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your go-to to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is like welcoming a little bit of joy into your kitchen. It’s reliable, delicious, and perfectly suited for both everyday moments and special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes—not just for bananas and chocolate lovers, but anyone who appreciates a truly satisfying homemade treat. So grab those ripe bananas and get baking; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips is a delightful dessert that combines ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips in a soft, tender cake. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make banana cake features a balance of sweetness and subtle cinnamon spice, making it a comforting treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract, mashed bananas, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold In Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Top Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired for extra chocolate flavor and decoration.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- This banana cake stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container.
- You can freeze slices of the cake for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
