Name: Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup walnuts ((chopped)); 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips; 4 ripe bananas; 1 cup sour cream; 2 eggs; ½ cup applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar ((packed)); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup walnuts ((chopped, for topping)); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ((for glaze)); 2 tablespoons milk ((for glaze))

If you’re looking for a delightful way to start your morning or a perfect treat to accompany your afternoon coffee, look no further than this Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake. Moist, flavorful, and studded with rich chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon creates a comforting flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious delight!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

– Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
– Moist and tender texture thanks to ripe bananas and sour cream.
– A delightful balance of flavors with chocolate, nuts, and cinnamon.
– Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
– Makes your home smell heavenly while baking!

The Ingredient Lineup

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnuts (chopped)
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
4 ripe bananas
1 cup sour cream
2 eggs
½ cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup walnuts (chopped, for topping)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Essential Tools for Success

Mixing Bowls: A set of large mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To easily blend ingredients until smooth.
9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect size for this coffee cake.
Cooling Rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading batter evenly.

Make Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts

Gently fold in the bittersweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Prepared Pan

Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped walnuts over the top.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

How to Make It Lighter

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Use unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar for a naturally sweetened version.
Reduce the amount of chocolate chips to lower the sugar content.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a protein boost.

Insider Tips

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Chilling the batter for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture.
Feel free to add other mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruit for a twist.
For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Reader Q&A

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw the frozen bananas and mash them well before adding to the batter. They will work just as well as fresh ones.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

Is this cake suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! This Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. It combines fruit and whole grains, making it a delicious option.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

What to Make After This

Zucchini Bread – Another moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast.
Healthy Carrot Cake – A deliciously spiced cake you can enjoy guilt-free.
Vegan Chocolate Cake – For those craving a rich chocolate dessert, this one’s for you!
Blueberry Banana Bread – A delightful twist on traditional banana bread.

That’s a Wrap

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, especially when it’s freshly baked. With its rich flavors and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or a simple indulgence for yourself. So grab those ripe bananas and let’s get baking! Enjoy every bite, and remember, the best part of baking is sharing it with loved ones.