I’ve got the perfect solution for those spotty bananas sitting on your counter right now. This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake combines two comfort food favorites into one irresistible treat that’s moist, sweet, and studded with melty chocolate in every bite. It’s my go-to recipe when I need something simple yet impressive, whether for breakfast with coffee or as a dessert that makes everyone ask for the recipe. And the cream cheese frosting? Well, that’s where the magic really happens…
Why You’ll Love this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and delicious, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is about to become your new favorite.
I adore how it transforms those spotty, overripe bananas into something magical when paired with chocolate chips.
The texture? Perfectly moist with pockets of melty chocolate in every bite. Did I mention it comes together in minutes? No fancy equipment needed.
Plus, that cream cheese frosting adds just the right tangy complement to the sweet cake beneath. Perfect for breakfast (yes, I’m giving you permission), dessert, or anytime snacking.
What Ingredients are in Banana Chocolate Chip Cake?
This delightful banana chocolate chip cake requires simple pantry staples that come together to create something truly special.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2-3 ripe bananas)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1¼ cups chocolate chips
- Cream cheese frosting
For the best results, make sure your bananas are nice and spotty—those overripe ones that might otherwise end up in the trash are actually perfect for baking, as they provide more sweetness and stronger banana flavor.
How to Make this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan. This preparation step guarantees your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan when it’s done.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps guarantee they’ll be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup milk, ¼ cup oil, 1 cup mashed banana, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Those spotty, overripe bananas really shine here, lending their natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until incorporated. Remember not to overmix the batter—we want a tender crumb, not a tough cake.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1¼ cups chocolate chips with a light hand, distributing them throughout the batter. The chips will create pockets of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Patience is key here—applying frosting too early means it will just melt right off.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. For the creamiest, lump-free frosting, consider using a premium stand mixer to achieve professional-quality results. Now’s the time to get creative with swirls and peaks, making it as rustic or polished as you like.
What to Serve with Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
This cozy snack cake works beautifully for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert—it’s one of those versatile treats that fits any time of day.
For breakfast, pair it with a strong cup of coffee or creamy latte to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a proper dessert, while fresh berries on the side add a bright, tart contrast to the rich chocolate and banana flavors.
If you’re hosting friends, consider serving small squares alongside a pitcher of cold milk or hot tea.
And don’t forget—a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this humble snack cake into special-occasion territory without any extra effort. The cake is substantial enough to stand alone, but these simple pairings elevate it to something truly memorable.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Substitutions and Variations
This cake is wonderfully flexible for whatever your pantry (or dietary needs) might throw at you:
- Flour options: Swap in whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose for a nuttier flavor, or use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a GF version.
- Make it dairy-free: Replace milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Sugar alternatives: Try coconut sugar, light brown sugar, or reduce to ⅓ cup for less sweetness.
- Oil swaps: Melted butter, coconut oil, or applesauce (for lower fat) all work beautifully.
- Fun mix-ins: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Seasonal twists: Fold in fresh blueberries in summer or cranberries and orange zest for holidays.
- Topping ideas: Try a dusting of powdered sugar instead of frosting, or drizzle with peanut butter for a banana-PB-chocolate trifecta.
Leftovers and Storage for this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
This cake keeps beautifully for several days!
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting means refrigeration is best for longer storage.
For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To refresh refrigerated slices, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving—this brings back that perfect soft texture.
The flavors actually develop overnight, making this cake even more delicious the next day! The banana and chocolate notes meld together beautifully with time.
Final Thoughts
This humble snack cake combines two comfort food favorites—ripe bananas and chocolate chips—into one irresistible treat.
The beauty lies in its simplicity: basic pantry ingredients transform into a moist, tender cake that’s equally perfect for weekend brunches or after-school snacking.
The cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of indulgence without overwhelming the natural sweetness of banana.
It’s my go-to recipe for using up those spotty bananas on the counter while creating something everyone gravitates toward.
In a world of complicated desserts, sometimes it’s these straightforward classics that bring the most genuine joy to our tables.