If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as perfect for coffee breaks as it is for after-dinner dessert, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake. Super moist, bursting with sweet banana flavor, and studded with melty chocolate chips, this cake marries all the comforting elements of banana bread with the easy, shareable style of a snack cake. You won’t believe how simple it is to make, and how quickly it disappears—so let’s dive right in!

Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake comes from its everyday staples, each one chosen to deliver the best taste, texture, and irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

Mashed ripe bananas: Overripe bananas guarantee deep banana flavor and natural sweetness—don’t skimp on the spots!
Granulated sugar: Brings the classic cake sweetness without overpowering the bananas.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to amplify richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Keeps the cake tender and provides a rich flavor base.
Sour cream: The secret to an ultra-moist crumb and tangy undertone.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure so your cake slices perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with comforting warmth.
All-purpose flour: Gives the cake a tender yet sturdy texture—no fancy flours required.
Baking soda: Ensures a lofty rise and soft crumb, essential with bananas in the mix.
Salt: Balances all the sweet elements and highlights the banana flavor.
Cinnamon: Lends gentle spice that ties everything together beautifully.
Mini chocolate chips: The star add-in for melty bits of chocolate in every bite—plus extra for topping if you want it picture-perfect.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan will make removing and slicing your cake a breeze, especially if you’re planning to show off those gorgeous chocolate chip-studded squares.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy mixture—this is the heart of your Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake’s flavor and moisture!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Giving these a quick whisk ensures even distribution, so you won’t get any unwelcome salty or spicy pockets in your cake.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing is the nemesis of tender cakes, so stop mixing as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, being careful to distribute them evenly—you want chocolate in every bite!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a handful of extra mini chocolate chips on top if you love that bakery-style look. Bake in the center of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a little melted chocolate is fine, but no wet batter). Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing so those chocolate chips stay where they belong.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch if you want to go all-out.

Side Dishes

This snack cake pairs beautifully with a hot mug of coffee or tea. For a more decadent dessert, serve each square with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into bite-sized cubes for a casual party platter, layer squares with vanilla pudding and banana slices for a quick parfait, or serve with fresh berries for a vibrant brunch spread. However you plate it, this treat never fails to look inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake actually gets even more flavorful and stays super moist—perfect for sneaky snacks!

Freezing

You can freeze individual squares by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when a banana-chocolate craving hits.

Reheating

If you love your cake warm (who doesn’t?), pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips get dreamy and melty, and the banana aroma wafts through your kitchen all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work beautifully, though mini chips distribute more evenly so you get chocolate in every bite. Use what you have on hand—either will make your Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake delicious.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The end result will be just as moist and flavorful, though you may notice a slight change in texture depending on your flour mix.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Overripe bananas mash easily with a fork or potato masher. If you like bigger banana bits in your cake, mash lightly; for a smoother texture, go for a thorough mash until almost no lumps remain.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for that classic banana bread vibe—and enhanced texture. Just make sure to distribute them evenly for the best bite.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan, and keep an eye on baking time—it may need a little longer in the oven. It’s a fantastic way to serve a crowd or stock your freezer with extra Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and downright impossible to resist, this Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake is pure joy baked into a pan. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch those smiles light up—you’ll want to make this again and again.

Chocolate Chip Banana Snack Cake Recipe