Sometimes, the best kind of comfort comes in the form of a slice of cake. This banana cake with chocolate is that little luxury you didn’t know you needed, especially when the day feels like it’s dragging on. It’s moist and tender, with bursts of ripe banana and pockets of melty chocolate that make each bite a quiet celebration.
I remember the first time I made this cake. The kitchen smelled like a mix of warm bananas and sweet chocolate almost immediately, and I was impatient—hovering around the oven, sneaking little tastes of the batter before baking. When it finally came out, I let it cool just long enough to avoid burning my fingers, but not so long that I couldn’t enjoy it warm. The way the chocolate chips melted into gooey spots was sort of magical, and honestly, I might have eaten more than my fair share before sharing it with anyone else. That day, the afternoon slump disappeared; the cake was like a little pause button on the chaos.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means you don’t need a ton of added sugar to enjoy rich flavor.
- Chocolate chips create those delightful surprise melty pockets—though they do make it a bit messier to eat, but isn’t that part of the fun?
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just genuine comfort.
- This cake is versatile enough to serve as a snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat if you’re feeling indulgent.
Even if you’re not an expert baker, this recipe is forgiving enough to work out. You don’t need fancy tools or rare ingredients to get it right, so it’s perfect when you want something homemade but don’t want to overthink it.
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Banana Cake with Chocolate
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
A moist and flavorful banana cake infused with ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the mashed bananas and sour cream until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips evenly.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes:
I usually bake this in a simple square pan, nothing fancy, and it bakes evenly without much fuss. It pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, especially when the chocolate is still a bit melty. Sometimes I toss in walnuts for a bit of crunch—haven’t tested it with other nuts though, so your mileage may vary. You could swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if that’s what you have on hand, but it might change the texture slightly. Oh, and for a twist, adding a pinch of cinnamon can bring a warm depth, but it’s totally optional.
FAQ:
Can I use overripe bananas? Yes, that’s actually best for flavor and moisture.
How should I store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for a couple of days, or refrigerate if you want it to last longer.
Can I freeze this cake? Absolutely, just wrap it tightly and thaw overnight before enjoying.
If you’re craving something that feels like a hug in cake form, this banana cake with chocolate is waiting for you. Give it a try, and maybe keep a second slice nearby—you’ll want it.