I’m excited to share with you my perfected recipe for Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips. This isn’t just any banana cake; it’s a moist, flavorful, and utterly addictive treat that combines the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgent allure of chocolate chips.
The humble banana cake has a rich history, evolving from simple banana bread recipes that gained popularity in the 1930s as a way to use overripe bananas during the Great Depression. This recipe takes that classic concept and elevates it to new heights with a few special touches that make it truly extraordinary.
What sets this Banana Cake apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of both caster and brown sugar provides a depth of sweetness, while the addition of sunflower oil ensures a moist, tender crumb. The ingenious step of adding some of the inner banana peel introduces an extra layer of banana flavor and moisture that takes this cake to the next level.
As we dive into this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, sharing insider tips and techniques I’ve honed over years of perfecting this dish. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a banana cake that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe.
Ingredients
For this delectable Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips that serves 12-16 (depending on mold size), you’ll need:
- 2 medium eggs, at room temperature
- 100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
- 35g (2.5 tbsp) brown sugar
- 110g (1/2 cup) sunflower oil
- 200g (about 2 medium) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 60g (1/4 cup) plain milk, at room temperature
- Chocolate chips (amount as desired, typically 1/2 to 1 cup)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
The key to a great banana cake starts with properly combining the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 2 medium eggs.
- Add 100g of caster sugar and 35g of brown sugar to the eggs.
- Whisk the eggs and sugars together vigorously until well combined and slightly frothy. This helps create a lighter texture in the final cake.
- Pour in 110g of sunflower oil and whisk again to incorporate.
- Add 200g of mashed ripe bananas and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Mix well until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Add the Secret Ingredient
This unique step adds an extra boost of banana flavor and moisture:
- Take one of the bananas you used and carefully remove some of the inner peel (the white part) with a spoon.
- Add this inner peel to your wet mixture and stir to incorporate.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Properly mixing the dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leavening agents:
- In a separate bowl, sift together 200g of all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda.
- Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
This step is crucial for achieving the right texture:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with 60g of milk.
- Mix gently after each addition, just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
5. Add Chocolate Chips
Now for the indulgent touch:
- Fold in your desired amount of chocolate chips (typically 1/2 to 1 cup) using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Reserve some chocolate chips for topping if desired.
6. Rest the Batter
This often-overlooked step is key to a tender cake:
- Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
- This resting period allows the flour to hydrate fully and results in a more tender cake.
7. Prepare for Baking
While the batter is resting, prepare your oven and molds:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Grease your molds or line muffin tins with paper liners.
8. Bake the Cakes
Now it’s time to bake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
- If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of each cake.
- Place the molds on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 17 minutes. However, baking time may vary depending on the size of your molds, so start checking at 15 minutes.
- The cakes are done when they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and Serve
Proper cooling ensures the best texture:
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the molds for about 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, your Banana Cakes with Chocolate Chips are ready to serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
This Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings, depending on the size of your molds. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 14 servings):
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 3g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, especially the amount of chocolate chips used.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created a batch of Banana Cakes with Chocolate Chips that are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. These cakes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a perfect balance of comforting banana flavor and indulgent chocolate, wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What sets these banana cakes apart is the attention to detail in every step of the process. The combination of caster and brown sugar provides a depth of sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the bananas. The addition of the inner banana peel is a clever trick that intensifies the banana flavor and adds extra moisture. And the crucial step of resting the batter? That’s the secret to achieving that perfectly tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Remember, the key to great baking is patience and precision. Don’t rush the process of mixing the ingredients, and be sure to give the batter its full resting time. This allows the flavors to meld and the flour to hydrate fully, resulting in a superior cake.
These Banana Cakes with Chocolate Chips are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a satisfying afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or serving at bake sales. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
As you bite into these moist, flavorful cakes, take a moment to appreciate the perfect balance of flavors and textures you’ve created. The sweet, comforting taste of banana, the rich pockets of melted chocolate, and the tender, fluffy crumb all come together to create a truly delightful eating experience.
So gather your loved ones, brew a pot of coffee or tea, and enjoy your homemade Banana Cakes with Chocolate Chips. They’re not just a treat for the taste buds, but a warm, comforting hug for the soul. Happy baking and even happier eating!
