Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
This Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is truly the stuff of dessert dreams—soft, moist, and perfectly sweet, with bursts of melty chocolate in every bite. It’s the kind of cozy bake that makes your kitchen smell irresistible, and it practically guarantees smiles at the table. Whether you’re looking to use up lingering bananas or wow your friends at a brunch, you’ll love how easily this crowd-pleaser comes together using just a handful of pantry staples. Each slice is a nostalgic nod to classic comfort, made even more delightful with a generous scattering of chocolate chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. Every component does its part—ripe bananas create the moist crumb, while brown sugar adds caramel notes and the chocolate chips bring fun and richness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each one:
- Ripe Bananas (1 1/2 cups, about 3): The riper the better—brown and spotty bananas mash up sweeter and keep the cake moist.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps create that fluffy texture we love.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the banana flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like note that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Large Eggs (2): Help hold the cake together while also adding tenderness and lift.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out all the flavors.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Ensures a super moist crumb and slight tang for balance.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cups): Gives structure and stability to the cake so it bakes up just right.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream and bananas to help the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A little extra lift for an airy bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth that pairs wonderfully with banana.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup, plus extra for topping): Stud each bite with rich, melty chocolate—add a few more on top for extra wow factor.
How to Make Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and helps your cake release perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy; this is what creates the cake’s lovely light texture and keeps each slice tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Bananas, and Sour Cream
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then pour in the vanilla extract. Next, fold in your mashed ripe bananas and the sour cream. Everything should come together into a smooth, luscious batter that smells amazing already.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This disperses the leaveners and spice evenly, so there won’t be any bitter or salty bites.
Step 5: Mix the Batter and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended—don’t overmix, or the cake will be tough. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re dotted throughout the batter for pops of chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter a handful of extra chocolate chips over the batter for a delicious finish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!
How to Serve Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is fabulous as-is, but you can really make it shine with a few special touches. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a scattering of chopped toasted nuts on top. Even a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream turns it into an extra-indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
The Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries, raspberries, or banana slices for a breakfast spread. For dessert, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or creamy latte to complement the chocolatey, banana-rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for a cheerful afternoon tea. To make it fuss-free for a picnic, individually wrap slices in parchment or pop them in cupcake liners. For a showstopper, layer squares with a bit of cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit for an impressive (but easy!) layered dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe will stay moist for days if stored properly. Wrap leftover cake well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature; it should stay fresh for up to three days, and even longer in the fridge.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully! Slice the completely cooled cake, wrap the pieces in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you have a craving, simply thaw a slice or two at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reheating
If you like your cake a little warm (and who doesn’t love melty chocolate chips?), microwave a slice for 10 to 20 seconds, or warm it in a low oven for about 5 minutes. A freshly reheated piece tastes like it just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a cake?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter evenly between muffin tins lined with papers, and bake at 350°F for 18 to 22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick like you would with the cake.
Do I need to use sour cream, or can I substitute something else?
Sour cream gives the cake its extra moistness, but plain Greek yogurt makes a wonderful substitute and keeps the same lovely texture.
Can I add nuts to the Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe?
Definitely! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for delicious crunch and a deeper flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no raw batter), your Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is perfectly baked.
Can I use a different size pan?
You can bake this banana cake in an 8×8-inch pan for a taller cake (increase the baking time) or even in a loaf pan, though baking times will vary—just keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistibly homey about this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe—it’s comforting, cheerful, and always a hit with family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the magic that happens when ripe bananas and chocolate chips come together in one simple, delightful cake!
Print
Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet bananas and rich chocolate chips in this moist and flavorful Banana Cake. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 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
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, and sour cream.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with extra chocolate chips, and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- This cake stays moist for days and can be frozen in slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
