Go Back
To make a Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake, you need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating a moist and flavorful cake. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 ripe bananas, well mashed - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, thoroughly melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped (optional) Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Use bananas with brown spots for best results. Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, while granulated sugar helps the cake rise and stay soft. The egg binds everything together, and vanilla adds a nice touch. Baking soda is the leavening agent that makes your cake fluffy. Fine salt enhances the sweet flavors. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while chocolate chips give bursts of sweetness. If you like nuts, add walnuts or pecans for crunch. Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the baking process smoother and more fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and well-mashed bananas. - Add granulated sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. - In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. - Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mix. Stop when just combined; lumps are okay. - Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if you like. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. - Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. - Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for better texture. To make the best Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake, start with your bananas. You want them to be very ripe. Look for bananas that are mostly brown and soft. This means they are sweet and full of flavor. If your bananas are not ripe, your cake may taste bland. Next, avoid overmixing your batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix gently. It is okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make your cake tough. You want it to be soft and moist. One great way to enjoy this cake is with ice cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm cake is pure bliss. The creamy ice cream melts into the cake. This makes each bite even better. Another tasty idea is to drizzle chocolate syrup on top. This adds extra sweetness and richness. You can also sprinkle some nuts for added crunch. One common mistake is using the wrong oven temperature. Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy. If your oven runs too hot or too cold, it will affect your cake. Another mistake is not preparing your baking pan properly. Always grease the pan or use parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking. If it sticks, it can break apart when you try to remove it. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results. Mix Gently: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour. Just mix until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Add Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or white chocolate, to customize the flavor of your cake. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_4}} You can make this cake even more exciting by adding flavors. Try nut butter swirls. Just take a spoonful of peanut or almond butter and swirl it into the batter before baking. This adds creaminess and richness. Dried fruit is another great option. Chopped dates or raisins add sweetness and texture. You can mix in about half a cup of your favorite dried fruit. This keeps your cake moist and adds a fruity twist. If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in this cake. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. For a vegan version, use applesauce instead of the egg. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan treat. These swaps keep the flavor while fitting different diets. You can serve this cake in fun ways. Try layering it with frosting. Cream cheese or chocolate frosting on top makes it extra special. Another idea is to make mini snack cakes. Use a muffin tin to bake small portions. This way, everyone can enjoy their own little cake. They are perfect for parties or snacks on the go. You can store leftovers at room temperature. Just place the cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for a few days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it. However, the cake may dry out a bit in the fridge. So, I recommend sticking to room temperature if you can. To freeze the cake, first cool it completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. For best texture, thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also leave it at room temperature for a few hours. This cake stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. If you keep it in the fridge, it may last up to a week. Look for signs of spoilage, like a dry texture or an off smell. If you see any mold, discard it right away. Enjoy your cake while it’s at its best! If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use unripe ones. Just microwave them for 30 seconds to soften. Another option is to use unsweetened applesauce. This gives moisture and sweetness without the banana taste. Yes! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each type will change the flavor a bit. If you love a rich taste, dark chocolate is a great choice. To make the cake healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey. Adding nuts boosts protein and healthy fats. Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake it a few more minutes. This blog post covered how to make a delicious banana snack cake. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Remember to pick ripe bananas for the best flavor and avoid overmixing. Variations like nut butter swirls can add fun twists. Store your leftovers well to keep them fresh. You can even freeze the cake for later enjoyment. Enjoy your baking journey and all the tasty moments to come!

Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake

A moist and delicious banana snack cake with chocolate chips and optional nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, well mashed
  • 1.33 cup unsalted butter, thoroughly melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and the mashed bananas. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Add in the granulated sugar, then incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
  • Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the luscious batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it smoothly and evenly across the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which will enhance its texture.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup for an extra treat.
Keyword banana cake, chocolate chip, snack cake