Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a decadent and irresistible treat that perfectly combines three beloved ingredients: peanut butter, bananas, and chocolate chips. The moistness of the banana cake complements the rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter, while the chocolate chips add a sweet and melty surprise in every bite. This cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

This cake is a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas, and it’s much more exciting than the typical banana bread. With the addition of peanut butter and chocolate chips, it’s a comforting, indulgent twist on a classic. Whether you’re a peanut butter fan, a banana lover, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, this cake delivers the best of all worlds in a single, fluffy, and flavorful bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Moist

Thanks to the bananas, this cake is wonderfully moist and tender, making every slice a treat.

2. Delicious Flavor Combination

Peanut butter, banana, and chocolate are a trio that never disappoints, giving you a rich and satisfying flavor.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

4. Versatile

This cake can be served for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s perfect for any occasion.

5. Family-Friendly

Both kids and adults will love this cake. The familiar flavors of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate make it a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• Ripe bananas
• Peanut butter
• Sugar (granulated and brown)
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips

For the peanut butter glaze:

• Peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Variations

• Add Nuts: You can add chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans for an added crunch.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or other vegan egg replacements, and use dairy-free butter and milk.
• Double Chocolate: Add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for an extra chocolatey experience.
• Spiced Banana Cake: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the banana.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Prepare the Peanut Butter Glaze

While the cake cools, make the peanut butter glaze by whisking together peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the peanut butter glaze over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
• Check for Doneness: Oven times can vary, so be sure to check the cake by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done.
• Customize the Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, add less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk.

How to Serve

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is great as is, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For breakfast, it’s perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a drizzle of honey or chocolate syrup for extra sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresher for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this cake for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds or until warm, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this cake?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them and mash them before using in the recipe.

2. Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can omit the chocolate chips or replace them with other mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.

3. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe since natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet.

4. How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Be sure to properly measure your flour and avoid overmixing the batter, as both can cause the cake to be dense.

5. Can I make this recipe in a different-sized pan?

Yes, you can use a different-sized pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. If you use a larger pan, the cake may bake faster, and if you use a smaller pan, it may take longer.

6. Can I make this cake without the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

7. How can I make this cake more peanut buttery?

To increase the peanut butter flavor, add more peanut butter to the batter or use peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips.

8. Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer to mix the wet ingredients and incorporate the dry ingredients, but be careful not to overmix.

9. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.

10. Can I freeze the entire cake?

Yes, you can freeze the whole cake. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and allow it to thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The moist banana cake, combined with creamy peanut butter and gooey chocolate chips, creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a breakfast treat, or a dessert for a special occasion, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its easy preparation and versatile variations, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print