Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake (One-Bowl, Oil-Free!)

Thank you so much for stopping by today, friends! I can’t wait to share this Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake with you. This cake is the kind of recipe you pull out when you’ve got overripe bananas on the counter, a craving for something sweet, and absolutely zero patience for a sink full of dirty dishes. It’s oil-free, butter-free, and made in just one bowl—yet it bakes up moist, tender, and chocolatey enough to feel like a decadent treat.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is a healthier take on a classic snack cake, perfect for afternoon treats, lunchbox surprises, or a no-fuss dessert. The bananas and applesauce keep the crumb soft and moist without needing oil or butter, while cocoa powder adds that deep, rich chocolate flavor we love.

Why you’ll love it:

• One-bowl recipe = fewer dishes!
• Naturally moist without extra fat.
• Perfectly sweet, chocolatey, and snackable.
• Great for freezing and meal prepping.

What it tastes like: Imagine banana bread met a chocolate cake, with a hint of caramel-like depth from brown sugar.

Healthier benefits: No added oils, lower fat, fruit-sweetened moisture.

Ingredients you’ll need:

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• 2 very ripe bananas
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but recommended!)

Tools needed:

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Measuring cups/spoons
• 8×8-inch square baking dish
• Parchment paper

Substitutions:

• Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber.
• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated.
• Stir in nuts (pecans, walnuts) for crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

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1. Prep the oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking dish with parchment.
2. Mash the bananas – In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Mix wet ingredients – Stir in sugars, applesauce, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients – Sift in flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
5. Add chocolate chips – Stir in (saving a few for sprinkling on top).
6. Bake – Pour into dish and bake 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & enjoy – Let cool before slicing. Enjoy plain, or dust with powdered sugar!

What to Serve with Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream.
• A drizzle of warm peanut butter or almond butter.
• Paired with coffee, chai, or a cold glass of milk.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use extra ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips on top for bakery-style presentation.
• Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan if you’re feeding a crowd.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Keep covered up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Store airtight for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave gently.

General Information

Chocolate banana cakes are a staple in many American homes, especially when bananas are on the verge of spoiling. Applesauce became a popular substitute for butter and oil during the health food trends of the 70s, and today it’s still a baker’s secret weapon for keeping cakes moist without extra fat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Just swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but stick to whole wheat pastry flour for the best soft texture.

3. Do I need to frost it?
Not at all! It’s delicious as-is, but you can add a light cream cheese glaze if you want.

4. Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Bake in muffin tins for 18–20 minutes.

5. Is it sweet enough without frosting?
Absolutely. The bananas, applesauce, and sugars make it perfectly balanced.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends—Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake, made in one bowl, moist and chocolatey without oil or butter. This is the kind of cake you’ll find yourself making again and again for snacks, school lunches, or even an unfussy dessert.

If you loved this, try these recipes next:

• Protein Cookie Dough

Interactive Elements

I’d love to hear from you! Did you bake this cake? Leave a comment and rating below, or snap a picture and tag me on Pinterest. Your kitchen stories make my day!

Nutritional Information (per serving, 12 slices)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Saturated Fat	Sugar	Fiber	Sodium
180	38g	3g	2g	1g	20g	3g	120mg

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