If you are craving a wonderfully moist and flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug in cake form, look no further than this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe. This delightful dessert combines ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips to create a perfect balance of natural sweetness and rich indulgence, making it an absolute favorite for family gatherings or just a cozy night in. Its soft crumb and luscious texture will have you reaching for seconds before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe simple means using a handful of straightforward ingredients that bring out the best in each other. Each component supports the perfect texture, taste, and moisture that make this cake so irresistible.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moistness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the banana sweetness with a gentle sugary touch.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and lend structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aroma.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds slight tanginess.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and texture for the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth that pairs well with banana.
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping: Perfect pockets of melty chocolate that make every bite special.
How to Make Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and with ease. Having a warm oven ready means your cake will bake evenly from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter, resulting in a soft and tender cake texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Flavorings
Add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then stir in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients are where all the moistness and flavor really begin to shine.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Gently fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients bit by bit, stirring just until you don’t see any flour anymore. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so keep it light and easy at this stage.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pour Batter
Now for the magic touch: stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top. Pour your luscious batter evenly into the prepared pan, and scatter those extra chocolate chips over the surface for gooey pockets of chocolate on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures your banana cake is fully cooked yet still incredibly moist. Let the cake cool in the pan before you slice it up to serve.
How to Serve Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe is easy and fun—try topping it with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness or a dollop of whipped cream to add a light, creamy contrast. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of chocolate sauce take the presentation to the next level, making each slice inviting and indulgent.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small serving of fresh berries, which add a refreshing brightness. A cup of hot coffee or tea complements the rich flavors beautifully, perfect for an afternoon treat or a cozy dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative touch, cut the banana cake into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. You can also layer slices with cream cheese frosting for a simple yet elegant banana cake sandwich. Adding chopped nuts on top before baking offers a crunchy surprise to the soft texture beneath.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe has cooled completely, store leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. This keeps the cake soft while preserving the fresh banana flavor. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option to extend freshness.
Freezing
This banana cake freezes wonderfully, allowing you to bake ahead and enjoy later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months, and it’s perfect for thawing when a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or until pleasantly warm. This quick step revives the soft texture and enhances those gooey chocolate chip pockets, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel in mere moments.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are actually best because they provide extra natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake incredibly tender and flavorful.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can swap sour cream with plain yogurt for a similar tang and moisture level, or even buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand. Each will keep the cake moist and tender.
Is it possible to add nuts to the banana cake?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a fantastic way to introduce a bit of crunch. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before pouring the batter into the pan.
How do I know when the banana cake is done baking?
Use a toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting about a slice of homemade Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe; it’s like a little celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the best way. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake promises reliably delicious results with minimal fuss. So, gather your bananas and chocolate chips, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful, moist cake that’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
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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 and flavorful Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips is a delightful dessert perfect for using up ripe bananas. It combines mashed bananas and sour cream with a tender crumb, enhanced with semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deliciously sweet twist. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and wet ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the mashed bananas, sour cream (or plain yogurt), and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them.
- Pour batter and add topping: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake: 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 and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 servings and serving. This step helps the cake set and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Choose overripe bananas with abundant brown spots for a sweeter and more flavorful cake.
- For added crunch and flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated to keep it fresh longer.
