This chocolate banana cake is soft, moist, and full of rich cocoa flavor balanced with natural banana sweetness. It is the perfect way to transform ripe bananas into a comforting homemade dessert that feels both simple and special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients and delivers consistent results every time. The bananas keep the cake incredibly moist, while cocoa and chocolate chips add deep chocolate flavor. It works beautifully as a snack cake, dessert, or even a tea-time treat, and the optional chocolate cream topping makes it feel extra indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake
3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1½ cups / 360 g)
2 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
½ cup milk (120 ml)
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (20 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (10 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla powder or vanilla extract (5 g)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, 3 g)
½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (90 g)

For the chocolate cream topping (optional)
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
100 g dark chocolate, finely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease a round or rectangular cake pan and lightly flour it.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and slightly fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and milk, then mix until well combined. Stir in the mashed bananas until smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon if using, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

To prepare the chocolate cream, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat, add the chopped dark chocolate, and stir until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling and topping time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

You can replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly heartier texture. Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts can be added for crunch. If you prefer a lighter cake, reduce the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons. The cake can also be enjoyed plain without the chocolate cream topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving. Individual slices can be gently warmed for a few seconds if you prefer it slightly warm.

FAQs

Can I use very ripe bananas?

Yes, very ripe bananas are ideal as they add more sweetness and moisture.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup plain yogurt or mashed banana, though the texture may be slightly denser.

What type of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder gives the best balanced flavor in this recipe.

Can I skip the chocolate cream topping?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own without any topping.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, use ½ cup melted butter, but the cake may be slightly less moist.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months without the topping.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar to ½ cup, but the cake will be less sweet.

What pan size works best?

A 22 cm round pan or similar-sized rectangular pan works well.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Yes, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom pairs nicely with banana and chocolate.

Conclusion

This chocolate banana cake is a reliable, comforting recipe that brings together rich chocolate and sweet banana in every bite. Whether served plain or topped with silky chocolate cream, it is a satisfying homemade treat that is easy to make and perfect for sharing.

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