The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake with Pantry Staples

Looking for a sweet, moist cake that satisfies your cravings but doesn’t weigh you down? This Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake is the perfect solution. Made with ripe bananas, light ingredients, and just the right touch of chocolate, it’s the ideal anytime snack or after-dinner treat. It’s tender, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up on a weekday afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet – Uses ripe bananas for sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
Chocolatey Goodness – Mini chocolate chips in every bite for that perfect indulgence.
One-Bowl Magic – Quick and easy cleanup makes it a go-to for busy days.
Lighter Ingredients – Made with better-for-you swaps like unsweetened applesauce and light flour.
Kid-Approved & Great for Sharing – Moist, soft texture makes it a hit with all ages.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (plus a few for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Mix until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.

Bake

Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Serve

Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Info (Per Square – Approximate)

• Calories: 130
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g (can be lower with a substitute)

Tips for Success

• Use Very Ripe Bananas – Brown and spotty bananas give the best natural sweetness.
• Customize It – Add chopped nuts, swap chocolate chips for berries, or mix in a bit of coconut.
• Don’t Overbake – Check early to ensure it stays moist and soft.
• Great for Freezing – Slice and freeze individually for an easy grab-and-go snack.

Why This Recipe Works

This cake is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. You get the richness of banana bread, the indulgence of chocolate, and the satisfaction of knowing it’s made with nourishing ingredients. It’s proof that snacking smart doesn’t mean giving up the flavors you love.

Whether you’re making lunchbox treats, afternoon pick-me-ups, or prepping a better-for-you dessert, this Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake fits the bill. It’s simple, wholesome, and totally satisfying—one slice and you’ll be hooked.