Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Name: Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 3 overripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Heavenly Bakes

Whenever I think of baking, I can't resist the temptation of a Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Cake. With the perfect balance of ripe bananas and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this cake has become a family favorite. I appreciate how easy it is to whip up, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Each slice is wonderfully moist, making it hard to stop at just one piece. Whether it's for a birthday or an afternoon treat, this cake always brings smiles to the table.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:45:36.508Z

Baking is one of my greatest joys, especially when it comes to this Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Cake. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes is absolutely irresistible. One tip I've learned is to use overripe bananas, as they provide the best flavor and sweetness, ensuring that each bite is a delightful combination of banana goodness and rich chocolate.

I've experimented with various additions, like nuts or a drizzle of honey, but I always come back to the classic chocolate chips. They melt beautifully within the cake, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness that perfectly complement the moist, tender crumb. This cake easily stands out at any gathering and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich banana flavor complemented by melted chocolate
Incredibly moist texture that's irresistible
Simple ingredients and easy preparation

      

The Role of Bananas in Texture

The overripe bananas in this recipe are not just a flavor enhancer; they play a crucial role in achieving the cake's moist texture. The natural sugars in ripe bananas contribute to a tender crumb, while their inherent moisture prevents the cake from drying out. When selecting bananas, look for ones with dark speckles—these indicate peak ripeness. If you only have yellow bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two.

When mashing the bananas, aim for a smooth consistency, but don’t worry about eliminating all chunks. Some small pieces add delightful bursts of flavor during baking. If you find yourself with extra mashed bananas, you can easily freeze them for future use; simply portion them into freezer bags, and they’ll be ready when you're prepared to bake again!

Chocolate Chips: Choosing the Right Kind

The choice of chocolate chips can significantly impact the flavor of your cake. Semi-sweet chocolate chips, as suggested in the recipe, provide a balanced sweetness that pairs excellently with the rich banana flavor. However, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience or even milk chocolate for a sweeter profile. If you’re watching your sugar intake, there are also sugar-free options available that can still impart that satisfying chocolate taste.

For a fun twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chips. This addition introduces a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that beautifully complements the cake's moistness. Ensure that you lightly toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor, as this will yield maximum richness in every bite.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and storage. Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze portions in an airtight container for up to three months. To enjoy, let frozen slices thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.

To elevate your cake, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch. If you want an extra layer of flavor, serve it with a side of fresh berries; their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate, making for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

For the Cake

3 overripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth batter.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and light in color.

Add Bananas and Eggs

Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue that bakers face is the cake sinking in the middle or having an uneven rise. This can often result from under-mixing the batter or overmixing after the dry ingredients are combined. Be sure to mix until just combined and avoid overmixing once the flour is added to maintain the cake's structure and tenderness.

If you find your cake is too dense, it might be a result of adding too many bananas or not measuring the flour correctly. Using the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour—spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife—can give you more accurate results. If possible, use a kitchen scale for precision.

Variations to Try

If you're in the mood for a different flavor profile, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Just a teaspoon of cinnamon can enhance the cake's warmth and complement the bananas beautifully. Alternatively, for more adventure, you can try adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules, which will deepen the flavor without making it taste like coffee.

Incorporating other fruits such as shredded coconut or chopped apples can give the cake a unique twist. Just be cautious with the moisture content; too much additional fruit can alter the cake's balance, so you may want to reduce the bananas slightly if adding other fruits.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week.

→ Can I add nuts to the cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to enhance the flavor and texture.

→ How can I make this cake healthier?

You can reduce the sugar amount or substitute with a natural sweetener, and use whole wheat flour.