Easy Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe – Wheat Flour & Cocoa

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe – Wheat Flour & Cocoa

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always have a bunch of ripe bananas sitting on your counter, just begging to be used. And honestly, sometimes a simple banana bread just won’t cut it. That’s where this incredibly easy banana chocolate chip cake comes in. It’s moist, chocolatey, and perfect with a cup of chai. I first made this when my niece was visiting, and it disappeared in a flash! Let’s get baking, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a winner for so many reasons. It’s super simple to throw together – perfect for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time. Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. And who can resist the combination of sweet banana and rich chocolate? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This recipe makes 16 delicious pieces, and takes just 35 minutes to bake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful cake:

• 1 cup Wheat flour (approx. 120g)
• 2 long Bananas (Dole variety work beautifully)
• ½ cup Cocoa powder (approx. 45g)
• ¾ cup Sugar (approx. 150g)
• ½ cup Sunflower oil (approx. 120ml)
• ½ cup Water (approx. 120ml)
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice or vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt (approx. 1.5g)
• ½ cup Chocolate chips (approx. 85g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Wheat Flour: Choosing the Right Type

I prefer using regular wheat flour (atta) for this cake, as it gives it a lovely, slightly rustic texture. You can also use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand.

Bananas: Ripeness and Variety (Dole Bananas)

This is key. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be. Seriously, those overripe, spotty bananas are gold! I find Dole bananas work particularly well because they get beautifully soft and sweet as they ripen.

Sunflower Oil: A Healthy Baking Option

Sunflower oil keeps the cake incredibly moist without adding a strong flavor. You could also use vegetable oil, but I find sunflower oil is a slightly healthier option.

Cocoa Powder: Types and Flavor Profiles

I usually use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a darker, milder chocolate flavor, which is also lovely. It really comes down to personal preference!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, mash those ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until they’re nice and smooth. No big chunks allowed!
2. Now, add in the wheat flour, cocoa powder, sugar, sunflower oil, water, baking soda, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Don’t overmix – just until everything is incorporated.
4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan. I like to use a little butter or oil, and then dust it with flour to make sure nothing sticks.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Sprinkle those chocolate chips evenly over the top. Don’t be shy!
7. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Expert Tips

• Don’t open the oven door while the cake is baking, or it might sink!
• For an extra moist cake, add a tablespoon of yogurt to the batter.
• If you don’t have lemon juice, white vinegar works just as well.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimenting! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Simply substitute the sunflower oil with coconut oil and ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.

Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Cake (Alternative Flours)

Swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve had good results with a mix of almond flour and rice flour.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to ½ cup. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Birthday Cake, Diwali Treat)

For a birthday cake, frost it with your favorite chocolate frosting and add sprinkles! During Diwali, a sprinkle of cardamom powder in the batter adds a lovely festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm cup of masala chai is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to a month.

FAQs

What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly for this cake?

Place the bananas in a paper bag with an apple or tomato. The ethylene gas released by these fruits will speed up the ripening process.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of sunflower oil?

Yes, you can! Vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil will work.

Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or oil, and then dust it with flour. You can also line the pan with parchment paper.

What can I substitute for chocolate chips?

Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of Nutella would be delicious!