If you have a soft spot for the delightful marriage of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe is about to steal your heart. It’s a moist, sweet, and wonderfully rich cake that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy depth of peanut butter and the joyful bursts of melty chocolate chips. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a casual dessert, this cake is a celebration of comfort baking at its very best, and once you try it, trust me, it will become a beloved recipe in your collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and that irresistible homemade charm. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this cake to life.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 ½ cups): They provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
- Creamy peanut butter (¾ cup): Adds a rich, nutty creaminess that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Softened unsalted butter (½ cup): Brings buttery richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Offers a deep caramel sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
- Large eggs (2): These bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The base that gives the cake its body and perfect texture.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with the acid in bananas to create a light, airy crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star bursts of melty chocolate that make every bite extra special.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Before diving into mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures your cake will cook evenly and come out with that golden-brown edge we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy blend will be the flavorful heart of your cake, delivering moisture and rich taste.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time into your wet mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a warm, fragrant note to your cake.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for that perfect rise.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb, not a dense cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute the melty, chocolatey goodness that will make each bite a delight.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the top is lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow your cake to cool in the pan before slicing. This helps the cake set perfectly, making slicing easier and keeping all those delicious flavors intact.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is amazing on its own, some simple garnishes can elevate it. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm peanut butter glaze, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts to add a touch of crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious finish. Fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this cake to the next level by turning it into layered mini cakes or cake pops for parties. You can also cut it into squares and sandwich it with peanut butter frosting for a decadent peanut butter banana treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the cake moist. If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the fridge can extend freshness but might slightly firm the texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, making it ideal for preparing ahead.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen cake slices, thaw at room temperature then warm in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the gooey chocolate chips.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture and extra nutty flavor to your cake. Just be aware that it might change the smoothness of the batter slightly, but it’s delicious either way.
Do I need to use ripe bananas?
Yes, ripe bananas are key for this recipe. They’re sweeter, softer, and more flavorful, which helps both the taste and texture of your Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with another ingredient?
Of course! Walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit like raisins can be great alternatives if you want different textures or flavors. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make it gluten-free. Just check the package to ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
How do I make a peanut butter glaze for this cake?
Mix powdered sugar with a little peanut butter, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for an extra layer of peanut buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the banana and chocolate flavors.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible blend of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chips, this Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and indulgent all at once. It’s wonderfully easy to make but feels special enough for any occasion, and I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter and indulgent semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfect for an easy snack or comforting dessert, this cake delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to please peanut butter and banana lovers alike.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the mashed bananas, peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the wet mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to disperse them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into 12 servings and serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the chocolate chips before baking.
- You can drizzle melted chocolate or a peanut butter glaze on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
