Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

You know those bananas on your counter that are just a little too spotty to eat on their own? This is their destiny. This Chocolate Chip Banana Cake is the perfect way to turn your ripe bananas into something magical. It’s tender, rich, and packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite—basically banana bread’s fun, slightly more indulgent cousin.

This cake comes together easily, smells like heaven while it bakes, and tastes like a warm hug. Whether you serve it as a casual weeknight treat, a birthday cake with flair, or a brunch showstopper, trust me—everyone will ask for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

Moist & Flavorful: The bananas keep this cake ultra moist and full of natural sweetness.

Chocolate in Every Bite: Rich chocolate chips are scattered throughout, making every slice extra special.

One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal mess and no complicated steps—just stir, pour, and bake.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Casual enough for snacks, sweet enough for dessert, and perfect with coffee.

Freezer-Friendly: Make it now, enjoy it later—it freezes like a dream.

Ingredients in Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ripe Bananas

The riper, the better. They add moisture, natural sweetness, and that iconic banana flavor.

All-Purpose Flour

Gives the cake structure while keeping it light and tender.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

The dynamic duo for lift and fluff—essential in a cake that’s soft but not too dense.

Butter

For richness and flavor. You can use oil as a substitute for a slightly more moist crumb.

Sugar

A mix of brown and white sugar gives depth and sweetness. Brown sugar also keeps things extra moist.

Eggs

Help bind the cake together and give it structure.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and enhances the banana-chocolate flavor combo.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

A secret weapon for extra moisture and a bit of tang—it balances the sweetness beautifully.

Chocolate Chips

Use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips—whatever your sweet tooth craves.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (a few small chunks are okay!).

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is well combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold until just combined—don’t overmix!

Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in most of the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few melty chocolate smudges are totally fine).

Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temp—either way, it’s dreamy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 25g
Protein: 5g

Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on a warm slice? Say no more.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a pretty, simple finish.

Topped with Cream Cheese Frosting: Turn it into a decadent dessert perfect for parties.

With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

As a Snack Cake: Slice and pack it in lunchboxes or enjoy it straight from the fridge.

Additional Tips

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The darker the peel, the better. They’re sweeter and mash more easily.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’ll keep the cake tender and soft.

Add Nuts (Optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and pair well with the banana-chocolate combo.

Make Muffins Instead: Pour the batter into a muffin tin for individual treats—bake for 18–22 minutes.

Store It Right: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
A1: Yes! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day! Just cover tightly and store at room temp or in the fridge.

Q3: Can I freeze banana cake?
A3: You bet. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the microwave.

Q4: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A4: You can use plain Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even applesauce in a pinch.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Q6: Can I add cocoa powder to make it more chocolatey?
A6: Definitely! Add 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and reduce the flour slightly to compensate.

Q7: What kind of chocolate chips are best?
A7: Semi-sweet are classic, but dark chocolate adds richness. Mini chips give more even distribution.

Q8: Can I bake it in a loaf pan?
A8: Yes, but you’ll need to extend the baking time by 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it!

Q9: Why did my cake turn out dense?
A9: Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make it heavy. Be gentle with your mixing and measure carefully.

Q10: Can I make it vegan?
A10: Yes—use flax eggs, plant-based yogurt, and vegan butter. Swap chocolate chips for dairy-free ones.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a chocolate fanatic, this Chocolate Chip Banana Cake is the best of both worlds. It’s sweet, soft, chocolatey, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being over the top. It’s the kind of cake that brings people together—and the kind you’ll want to make again and again. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking—you’re going to love every bite.

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