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
Scale
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.
