Easy & Delicious Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake: Your New Favorite Recipe!
Indulge in this incredibly tender and flavorful Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake, bursting with the comforting taste of peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and a delectable Nutella drizzle!
Do you often find yourself with a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter? It’s a common scenario for many of us. Those brown-spotted bananas, while perhaps not ideal for eating raw, are absolutely perfect for baking! Instead of letting them go to waste, transform them into something truly special. This Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake is not just another banana recipe; it’s a game-changer, quickly becoming a family favorite and a go-to for using up those extra ripe fruits.
While classics like Blueberry Banana Bread are always a hit, this cake offers a delightful twist. It’s remarkably moist, thanks to the mashed bananas and a touch of oil, while the addition of peanut butter elevates the flavor to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a comfort food dream come true, perfect for any time of day.
There are countless ways to utilize overripe bananas, but is there truly any method better than baking them into a moist, flavorful cake? We think not! This recipe might just be the best banana cake you’ll ever try. To make it a little more wholesome, we’ve incorporated whole wheat flour, but don’t worry – the tender texture and rich flavor ensure you won’t even notice the healthy swap. The generous scattering of chocolate chips throughout the batter, paired with an optional chocolatey topping, makes this cake incredibly decadent. However, if chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it. But let’s be honest, the combination of chocolate and banana is a classic for a reason – just think of Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes, a weekend breakfast staple in many homes!
This banana snack cake isn’t just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile. It strikes the perfect balance between a hearty quick bread and a light, fluffy cake. Its simple preparation makes it ideal for a spontaneous baking session, turning those neglected bananas into a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a casual dessert, this cake fits every moment.
Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Cake
For the complete recipe and exact measurements, be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
Crafting this delicious Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake requires a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
- Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots; they’re sweeter and easier to mash, lending incredible moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, giving the cake structure and richness.
- Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil works perfectly, ensuring the cake remains moist without imparting an unwanted taste.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient alongside bananas, adding a nutty depth and creaminess. Ensure it’s creamy for a smooth batter.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements both the banana and peanut butter beautifully.
- White Whole Wheat Flour: This provides a slightly healthier profile without compromising texture. You can easily substitute it with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Granulated Sugar: For the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises beautifully and is light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs wonderfully with bananas and chocolate.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: These melt into pockets of joy throughout the cake. Mini chips distribute more evenly, but standard chips work too.
- Nutella (Optional): For a truly irresistible finish, a drizzle of Nutella adds an extra layer of chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
Simple Steps to Bake Your Banana Cake
One of the best things about this banana cake recipe is its simplicity – no electric mixer needed! You can whip this up with just a bowl and a spatula, making it perfect for a quick baking project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving a perfect, moist cake:
- Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, spray or line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. This small step makes a big difference in the end!
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your ripe bananas until they are smooth with minimal lumps. The riper the bananas, the easier they’ll be to mash and the more flavor they’ll impart.
- Wet Ingredients First: To the mashed bananas, add the egg, creamy peanut butter, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. A spatula or a whisk will do the job perfectly here.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour), granulated sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon. Ensuring the dry ingredients are well mixed before adding them to the wet ingredients helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour is fully incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense cake. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: This is where the magic happens! Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. While optional, they truly elevate the cake’s flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, this step is a must.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool and Drizzle: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential to let it cool fully before adding any frosting or chocolate drizzle like Nutella, otherwise, it will simply melt!
Storing Your Delicious Banana Cake
This Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake is so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, it stores wonderfully, allowing you to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for days.
At room temperature, this banana cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and flavor. For longer storage, the freezer is your best friend.
While similar in flavor profile to banana bread, this recipe truly has the tender, light texture of a cake, rather than the denser consistency of a quick bread. This makes it a perfect candidate for freezing, just like you would banana bread. So, go ahead and stash a few slices in your freezer for those moments when you need a quick, comforting treat!
Tips for Freezing Banana Cake
Freezing this banana cake is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a delightful treat on hand. Here’s how to do it effectively to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness:
- Freezing the Whole Cake: If you wish to freeze the entire cake, ensure it is completely cooled. You can leave it in its baking pan or remove it. Wrap the cake tightly in two layers of aluminum foil, then place it in a large freezer-safe bag or another layer of plastic wrap. This double wrapping helps protect it from freezer burn.
- Freezing Individual Slices: For convenient, single servings, cut the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or wrap them again in aluminum foil. This method allows you to grab just one slice whenever a craving strikes!
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice (or the whole cake), simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm it gently in the microwave for a quicker thaw.
Serving Suggestions for Your Banana Cake
How you choose to top and serve your Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake is entirely up to your personal preference! The cake is wonderfully moist and flavorful on its own, but a little something extra can make it even more special.
Our favorite way to serve it is with a light drizzle of Nutella over the top once the cake has cooled. The chocolate-hazelnut spread perfectly complements the peanut butter and banana flavors. However, you could also opt for your favorite chocolate frosting for a more indulgent treat, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Given the chocolate chips already in the cake, many find it sweet enough to enjoy plain, without any additional toppings.
This banana snack cake is a fantastic after-school treat for kids, a lovely addition to a brunch spread, or a comforting dessert after dinner. Its ease of preparation means that the next time you spot those extra bananas on your counter, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time at all!
Variations and Pro Tips
To make this Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake truly your own, consider these variations and helpful tips:
- Nut Butter Swaps: Not a peanut butter fan? Almond butter or cashew butter can be used for a different nutty flavor profile. Just ensure they are creamy varieties.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks could be delicious additions. You could also swirl in a bit of melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for a marbled effect.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice can enhance the warm flavors of the cake.
- Add-ins: For extra texture, consider folding in a handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or shredded coconut along with the chocolate chips.
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for a tender cake! Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Ripe Bananas are Key: The browner your bananas, the sweeter and more moist your cake will be. Don’t be afraid of very ripe bananas!
More Delightful Dessert Recipes
If you loved this Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic dessert ideas:
- Cosmic Brownie Cookies: A nostalgic twist on a classic favorite.
- Special K Bars: A no-bake delight with a perfect blend of crispy and sweet.
- Avalanche Cookies: Simple, quick, and irresistibly chewy.
- Chocolate Pizza: A fun and creative dessert that’s great for parties.
- Brownie Batter Dip: The perfect sweet dip for fruit, cookies, or pretzels.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies: The ultimate combination for any peanut butter and chocolate lover.
Peanut Butter Banana Snack Cake
Erin Sellin
10
40
50
12
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 whole large egg
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Nutella, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Lightly spray or line an 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
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In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Incorporate the egg, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until the mixture is well blended.
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Add the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix carefully until the flour is just fully incorporated into the batter, taking care not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with Nutella if desired, before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 1g |
Calories: 305kcal |
Carbohydrates: 39g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g |
Cholesterol: 16mg |
Sodium: 166mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 25g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10
40
50
Dessert Recipes
American
12
305
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