If you have a sweet tooth but want a dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit healthier, you are going to love this Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe. This cake brings together the rich, deep flavors of cocoa with the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas and applesauce, creating a tender, fudgy treat that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a chocolate fix while sneaking in some fruity goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but play crucial roles in shaping the taste, texture, and rich color of our cake. Each component is chosen to maximize flavor and moisture without complicating the process.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the cocoa’s bitterness while helping with the cake’s structure.
- Unsweetened applesauce: Replaces some fat for moistness and a subtle fruity tang.
- Mashed ripe banana: Brings natural sweetness and a creamy texture that makes the cake extra tender.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds moisture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and body.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavors.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): Add melty pockets of extra chocolate perfection throughout the cake.
How to Make Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan so your cake doesn’t stick and you get those clean edges that are as lovely to look at as they are to taste.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, unsweetened applesauce, mashed ripe banana, milk, and vanilla extract. This ensures all your wet ingredients are well combined, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and moisture that builds the cake’s tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add in your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix here because you want to keep the cake light and soft rather than tough.
Step 4: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips (If Using)
For an extra chocolate dimension, fold in mini chocolate chips now. This small addition makes every bite feel like a little celebration of melty chocolate goodness.
Step 5: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Evenness here ensures your cake bakes uniformly with a perfect finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it.
Step 7: Let It Cool Before Diving In
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps it set up just right, making it easier to cut and giving the flavors a chance to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Though this cake stands strong on its own, adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate its appearance and texture. Fresh berries or a drizzle of melted chocolate also pair wonderfully, bringing a fresh element to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich coffee for a delightful dessert experience. If you prefer something lighter, a simple cup of tea or a glass of cold milk complements the chocolate and banana flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into squares and serve them layered with whipped cream and banana slices for a decadent trifle. Alternatively, toast leftover pieces lightly and spread with nut butter for a delicious breakfast treat. Presentation can be playful and easy, yet incredibly rewarding.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps well at room temperature when stored in an airtight container for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, pop it in the fridge to extend freshness by a few more days.
Freezing
You can freeze the Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake will stay fresh for up to two months, ready to be thawed for a quick indulgence.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling with minimal effort, making it perfect for any time of day cravings.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas that are too brown?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they are sweeter and mash easily, adding more flavor and moisture to the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure.
Can I replace the applesauce with oil or butter?
Yes, though using applesauce helps reduce fat and adds moisture naturally. If you prefer oil or butter, use about 1/3 cup of oil or melted butter as a substitute.
Are the chocolate chips necessary?
Chocolate chips are optional but recommended for extra bursts of chocolatey delight. The cake will still taste fantastic without them.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort and a bit of indulgence without the guilt. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and irresistibly moist. I truly encourage you to try this recipe and see how it can brighten your day or impress your friends and family with a dessert that tastes like love at first bite.
Print
Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (9 squares)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Incredible Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is a moist and flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce with rich cocoa. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and optional mini chocolate chips, this cake offers a healthier twist on traditional chocolate cake by incorporating fruit purees and reduced sugar. It’s easy to make, requiring just simple mixing and baking in one pan, making it an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully into the batter to evenly distribute them.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into 9 or 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Using mashed ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excess sugar.
- Applesauce acts as a fat substitute, making the cake lower in fat but still moist and tender.
- The mini chocolate chips are optional but add an extra chocolatey texture and flavor.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
