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If you’re craving a treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, the Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Moist, tender, and bursting with natural banana sweetness paired with melty dairy-free chocolate chips, this cake is a perfect anytime snack that’s entirely plant-based and eggless. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking to try a wholesome, delicious twist on classic banana bread, this snack cake will truly steal your heart—and your taste buds won’t mind either.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is chosen to bring out the best in texture, flavor, and that irresistible moistness that makes this cake so darn good. Let’s take a peek at these essentials that you probably already have in your pantry!
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides the perfect structure; gluten-free blend works fabulously too.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens naturally and helps give that tender crumb everyone loves.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): The leavening agent that makes this cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Soy milk (¾ cup): Any plant-based milk works; keeps the cake moist and dairy-free.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Or melted coconut oil—ensures each bite is delectably moist.
- Mature ripe bananas (1 cup mashed): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and tender texture.
- White distilled vinegar (1 tsp): Reacts with baking soda to give a gentle lift and fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to elevate the batter.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Dairy-free to keep it vegan, they add delightful melty pockets of indulgence.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper—this will ensure your snack cake slides out easily once baked and cooled.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl to whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. These dry components form the base that balances sweetness and gives structure without heaviness.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the soy milk, vegetable oil, mashed bananas, white distilled vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The ripe bananas infuse moisture and natural sweetness while the vinegar reacts with baking soda to create a light, fluffy crumb.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently. Whisk just until incorporated—overmixing can make the cake tough, so patience pays off here for that perfect tender bite.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, carefully fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips, spreading them evenly throughout the batter. This is where the magic of gooey, melty pockets happens.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will have a golden top with a moist crumb beneath.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool in the pan placed on a wire rack. Cooling helps it firm up just enough for neat slicing, ensuring every square is perfectly shaped and ready for snacking.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While it’s fantastic on its own, a little garnish can take this vegan snack cake to the next level. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a handful of chopped walnuts for a crunchy contrast. A light drizzle of melted vegan chocolate adds extra decadence if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This banana chocolate chip snack cake pairs wonderfully with a cool cup of almond milk, rich vegan coffee creamer latte, or a fruit smoothie. Fresh berries on the side brighten the experience and add a refreshing note to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking two slices with a spread of vegan cream cheese or almond butter in the middle for a sandwich-style snack. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve it on a dessert platter with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If it’s warmer in your kitchen, the fridge works too and can extend its life to about a week.
Freezing
This snack cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months and make for a perfect grab-and-go treat whenever you need.
Reheating
To bring your cake back to life, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or pop them briefly in a toaster oven. This warms the chocolate and revives the cake’s tender crumb—like freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives a classic texture, a gluten-free all-purpose blend works just as well if you need it to be gluten-free. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
What if I don’t have soy milk—can I use another plant milk?
Yes, any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk will work perfectly. Just pick an unsweetened version to keep the sweetness balanced.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
Melted coconut oil is a fantastic substitute and adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor. Alternatively, neutral oils like canola or avocado oil also work well.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even fully brown skins—this means they’re at their sweetest and will provide maximum flavor and moisture.
Is the vinegar really necessary in this Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe?
Yes, vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create tiny bubbles that help the cake rise and stay light. Without it, your cake might turn out denser and less fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe is truly one of those underrated gems that’s easy to make, irresistibly good, and kind to any diet. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or sneaking a square before anyone notices, it’s a simple joy that brightens your snack time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for good!
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Print
Banana Chocolate Chip Vegan Snack Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (about 9 squares)
- Category: Snack Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan, eggless, and dairy-free Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake is a moist and tender treat perfect for any time of the day. Made with ripe bananas, plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips, this easy-to-make cake combines natural sweetness with a subtle hint of cinnamon for a comforting and wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup soy milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (dairy-free)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy milk, vegetable oil, mashed ripe bananas, white distilled vinegar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk just until everything is incorporated; be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, fold the dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips evenly into the batter ensuring they are well distributed.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Can substitute soy milk with any other plant-based milk like almond or oat.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan and dairy-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
