Contents
- 1 A Sweet Treat That Feels Like a Warm Hug
- 2 Why You’ll Love This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
- 3 What You’ll Need
- 4 How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
- 5 Equipment Needed
- 6 Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
- 7 Cooking Tips & Tricks
- 8 A Little Story from My Kitchen
- 9 FAQs: Your Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Questions Answered
A Sweet Treat That Feels Like a Warm Hug
Some days just call for Banana Chocolate Chip Cake—whether it’s to celebrate a little victory, brighten a gloomy afternoon, or simply satisfy a sweet tooth without too much fuss. That’s where this banana chocolate chip cake comes in. It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort with every bite: soft, moist, and packed with rich chocolate chips that melt into the banana-infused batter.
Even better? It’s ridiculously easy to make. No fancy techniques, no endless list of ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples, a few ripe bananas, and about 10 minutes of prep. If you’ve got a busy schedule (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), this recipe is your new best friend.
And for those of you dealing with picky eaters at home, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a sneaky little trick up your sleeve. Bananas bring natural sweetness, while the chocolate chips keep everyone coming back for “just one more slice.” Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
- Quick & Easy – No complicated steps, just mix and bake.
- Perfectly Moist – Bananas and butter work their magic to keep this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake soft and rich.
- One-Bowl Wonder – Fewer dishes? Yes, please!
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, If you’re in the mood for another moist, flavorful cake, you might also love this Carrot Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – another crowd favorite! this cake disappears fast!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 ripe bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
- Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Using a fork or potato masher: gently press down the ripe bananas in a roomy bowl until they’re nice and creamy. Stir in melted butter, sugar, milk, and the egg until well combined.
- Now, stir in the flour: a bit of baking powder, and a pinch of salt right into the bowl—no need to grab another one. Gently fold everything together—don’t overmix!
- Fold in the chocolate chips: keeping a few aside to sprinkle over the top before baking for a touch of sweetness in every bite.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture carefully into the greased baking dish, ensuring an even spread across the surface. Allow it to bake undisturbed in the preheated oven for approximately half an hour or slightly longer. You’ll know it’s done when the surface develops a light golden hue and a testing skewer inserted into the thickest part emerges without any wet batter clinging to it.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm for melty chocolate goodness or let it cool completely for a firmer texture.
Equipment Needed
Get ready to bake by rounding up your simple ingredients first. No special tools or tricks—just the usual stuff to keep things tidy and stress-free in the kitchen:
- Mixing Bowls – One large for wet ingredients and one medium for dry.
- Whisk or Spoon – To mix the batter smoothly.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision makes a difference!
- Spatula – For scraping every last bit of delicious batter.
- 8-inch Square Baking Pan – The perfect size for this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake.
- Parchment Paper (Optional) – For easy removal and cleanup.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester – To check doneness.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re the type who forgets to preheat until the batter is ready (been there, done that), do it now. Grease an 8-inch square pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your overripe bananas—the ones that look too far gone for anything but banana bread. Mash them in a large bowl until smooth. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—those little lumps give it a nice bit of texture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, milk, and a lightly beaten egg in a bowl, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Whisk until everything looks smooth and well combined. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse of your banana chocolate chip cake—so make sure it’s all mixed in!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, making sure everything is evenly blended. This prevents clumping and ensures an even rise when baking.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually incorporate the previously prepared dry ingredient blend into the bowl containing the liquid components, adding it in small portions while continuously stirring. This ensures a smooth and even consistency, preventing any lumps from forming and allowing the ingredients to meld together seamlessly for a well-balanced batter. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

The best part! Gently fold the chocolate morsels into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Set aside a small portion to be scattered over the surface just before baking, allowing them to create a visually appealing and slightly melted topping that enhances both texture and flavor. This ensures melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
Step 7: Pour & Bake

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for that bakery-style finish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), your Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is ready!
Step 8: Cool & Enjoy
Let the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm if you’re after melty chocolate goodness, or wait until it cools for a more solid, cake-like texture. Either way, it’s irresistible!
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use Ripe Bananas – The darker the peel, the sweeter the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake.
- Room Temp Ingredients Work Best – If possible, let your milk and egg sit out for 15 minutes before mixing.
- Customize It – Add chopped nuts, swap in dark chocolate, or drizzle caramel on top.
- Quick Storage Tip – Store any extras in a sealed container on the counter for up to three days, or pop slices in the freezer to enjoy whenever you’re craving something sweet.
This banana and chocolate chip cake is the kind of treat you’ll find yourself making on repeat—it’s just that good. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no shame in that!), it’s a guaranteed hit. So, grab those bananas and let’s make something delicious!
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I whipped up this banana chocolate chip cake, it was more of a spontaneous experiment to rescue some overly ripe bananas from the compost bin. As it baked, my kitchen filled with a warm, inviting aroma that had my kids drifting in like moths to a flame. Now, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake has become a beloved staple in our house, perfect for everything from lazy weekend breakfasts to a quick midweek treat. It’s a simple recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special, and I hope it finds a place in your family’s regular rotation too.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of banana chocolate chip cake. Looking for another delicious coffee-friendly treat? Check out this Berry Coffee Cake Recipe for a fruity, buttery alternative!
It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something special—whether paired with your morning coffee, tucked into a lunchbox, or served as a late-night indulgence. Every bite is a perfect balance of moist banana goodness and rich, melty chocolate, making it impossible to stop at just one slice.
The true beauty of this dish lies in the effortless way its ingredients come together, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures without the need for complex techniques or elaborate preparation. No need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few pantry staples, a couple of ripe bananas, and a little bit of time. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of home-baked happiness.
And the best part? This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is as forgiving as it is delicious. Didn’t mash the bananas perfectly? No problem. Accidentally added a few extra chocolate chips? Even better. Every batch has its own charm, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
So the next time you spot a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter, you’ll know exactly what to do. Whip up this banana chocolate chip cake, let it bake to golden perfection, and enjoy a dessert that’s as effortless as it is satisfying. Because sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones we cherish the most.
FAQs: Your Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Questions Answered
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with another type?
Absolutely! You can swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour might make the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake slightly denser, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
This banana chocolate chip cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to three days if kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to three months. Just warm them up in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Is it okay to swap in dark chocolate if I don’t have semisweet chips?
Of course! Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly more intense flavor, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas. If you like things on the sweeter side, milk chocolate is a great option too.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re out of butter or want a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce. Coconut oil will add a hint of tropical flavor, while applesauce will keep the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake super moist with a slight natural sweetness.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make great additions. Mix them in along with the chocolate chips to add a little crunch and a pop of extra flavor.