9 Irresistibly Decadent Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Secrets You’ll Bake on Repeat

Thank you for being here, my friend Truly — this is one of those cakes that instantly feels like home. This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is unbelievably moist, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and studded with mini chocolate chips in every bite. And when you pair it with a creamy chocolate frosting? Oh mercy. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes on the first forkful.

This is a celebration cake, a potluck cake, a “just because we have ripe bananas” cake — and it never, ever disappoints.

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Overview of Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

This cake combines the nostalgic comfort of banana bread with the indulgence of chocolate cake. Butter and oil keep it extra moist, buttermilk adds tenderness, and mini chocolate chips ensure chocolate in every bite. Finished with a smooth chocolate frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Ultra-moist and fluffy crumb
• Rich banana flavor without being dense
• Perfect balance of spice and chocolate
• Easy to make, bakery-quality results
• Ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or snacking

What It Tastes Like

Sweet banana, warm cinnamon, melty chocolate chips, and a luscious chocolate frosting that ties everything together beautifully.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

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Cake

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (canola oil works great)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1¼ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 brown bananas, measured after mashing)
• 1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
  (Substitute: 1½ cups milk + 1½ tbsp lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Creamy Chocolate Frosting

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch cake pan or two 9-inch round pans
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap mini chips for dark or milk chocolate chunks
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Turn into cupcakes (bake 18–22 minutes)
• Make it a layer cake with extra frosting

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

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This is classic, comforting baking — no stress, just delicious results

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pan(s) with parchment.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter, Oil & Sugars

Beat butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

5. Add Bananas & Buttermilk

Mix in mashed bananas. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry.

6. Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips.

7. Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool Completely

Let cake cool fully before frosting.

How to Make the Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. Pour in cream and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
4. Spread generously over cooled cake.

What to Serve with Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

• Cold milk
• Coffee or espresso
• Fresh berries
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert plates

Tips for Cake Perfection

• Use very ripe bananas for best flavor
• Don’t overmix once flour is added
• Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly
• Chill frosted cake slightly for clean slices

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months

General Information

Banana cakes became popular as a way to use overripe fruit, but this version turns practicality into pure indulgence. By combining butter, oil, and buttermilk, this cake stays tender for days — a trick passed down through generations of home bakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without frosting?
Yes — it’s delicious plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely. Thaw and drain excess liquid.

Why use both butter and oil?
Butter adds flavor, oil adds moisture — best of both worlds.

Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Yes! Bake 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is everything a homemade dessert should be — comforting, indulgent, and made to be shared. Whether it’s for a birthday, a bake sale, or just a quiet afternoon treat, this cake delivers every single time.

If you loved this recipe, try these next:

• Banana Walnut Cake → https://poulef.com/banana-walnut-cake/
• Flourless Banana Muffins → https://poulef.com/flourless-banana-muffins/
• Protein Cookie Dough → https://poulef.com/protein-cookie-dough/
• Healthy Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal → https://poulef.com/healthy-carrot-cake-baked-oatmeal/
• Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Cookies → https://poulef.com/oatmeal-cottage-cheese-cookies/

Interactive Corner

Did you bake this cake?
Leave a review and share your slices on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Your chocolatey bakes truly make my day

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Slice, Frosted)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Sugar
490 kcal	64g	6g	24g	42g

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