Description
When you’re craving something sweet but still want to keep it wholesome, this Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is the perfect answer.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional (but delicious):
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Banana Tip: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with an apple for a few hours or bake them (in their peels) at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until soft and sweet.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for a seamless swap.
Lower Sugar Version: Reduce both the granulated and brown sugar by ¼ cup each for a less sweet but still flavorful cake.
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled. Bake it in the evening, cover when cool, and enjoy the following day.
No Chocolate Chips? You can substitute with chopped dates, raisins, or simply leave them out for a classic chocolate banana flavor.
Muffin Option: To turn this recipe into muffins, divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Notes
Banana Tip: If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, place them in a paper bag with an apple for a few hours. You can also bake them (in their peels) at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until soft and sweet.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure and binding.
Lower Sugar Version: Reduce both the granulated sugar and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each for a less sweet but still moist and delicious cake.
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have developed. Store covered at room temperature overnight.
No Chocolate Chips?: You can omit them or replace with chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Muffin Option: Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake