Dreamy Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delectable peanut butter banana chocolate chip cake promises pure dessert magic that’ll make taste buds dance with delight.

Soft bananas merge seamlessly with rich, creamy peanut butter in this irresistible treat.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add delightful bursts of sweetness and texture.

Each slice brings comfort and indulgence to your kitchen adventure.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this surprisingly simple recipe with confidence.

Layers of flavor create a nostalgic experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this cake?

Use overripe bananas with brown spots, as they provide more natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it extra soft and flavorful.

  • Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results in texture and structure.

  • Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?

Of course! You can omit the chocolate chips or substitute them with chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips for variety.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Sensation

  • Boost Family Fun: Create delightful memories with a cake that combines kid-friendly flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana in one spectacular dessert.
  • Master Stress-Free Baking: Navigate the recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels who want a foolproof dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress guests with a show-stopping bundt cake that delivers rich, decadent flavors and a stunning presentation with two beautiful glazes.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that transitions seamlessly between casual and special occasions.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The essential dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
  • Peanut Butter: Provides a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
  • Bananas: Contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Helps create a tender and moist cake texture.
For the Mix-Ins and Toppings:
  • Chocolate Chips: Add delightful bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
  • Heavy Cream, Chocolate Chips (for Ganache): Create a rich and glossy chocolate glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk (for Peanut Butter Glaze): Make a smooth and creamy peanut butter drizzle.

Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a bundt pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Batter

Grab two mixing bowls for this delightful adventure. In the first bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
In a larger bowl, cream together:
  • Butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, then splash in vanilla extract. Stir in mashed bananas and sour cream until everything looks smooth.

Gently fold in dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the batter.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Ganache Magic

Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl.

Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Whip Up Peanut Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, blend:
  • Peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and has a pourable consistency.

Add more milk if needed to get the right drizzling texture.

Step 6: Decorate with Delicious Drizzles

Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Create a beautiful zigzag pattern by drizzling the peanut butter glaze over the chocolate.

Step 7: Slice and Celebrate

Cut generous slices and enjoy this decadent cake that combines the ultimate flavor trio of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate!

Tips to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

  • Use exact measurements for flour, baking powder, and other dry ingredients to ensure the cake's perfect texture and rise.
  • Completely mash ripe bananas to create a smooth, even consistency that distributes flavor and moisture throughout the cake.
  • Gently fold ingredients until just combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
  • Adjust peanut butter and chocolate glazes by adding milk or powdered sugar to achieve the ideal drizzling thickness.
  • Use room temperature eggs, butter, and bananas for better ingredient integration and smoother batter.

Flavorful Variations for Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

  • Nutty Banana Crunch: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy, earthy texture that complements the peanut butter and banana flavors.
  • Caramel Swirl Sensation: Incorporate layers of homemade caramel sauce between cake layers, creating a rich and gooey center that adds depth to the original recipe.
  • Tropical Coconut Remix: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired version with added texture and sweetness.
  • Mocha Banana Blast: Add instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate chips to create a coffee-infused cake with intense chocolate notes.

Pairings to Enjoy With Peanut Butter Banana Cake

  • Pair Creamy Milk Chocolate Stout: Complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors with a smooth, velvety milk stout that enhances the cake's decadent profile.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a cold, creamy scoop alongside the warm cake to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast that balances the dense cake's intensity.
  • Match Caramel Macchiato: Brew a caramel macchiato that echoes the cake's sweet notes, with espresso cutting through the richness and caramel harmonizing with the chocolate and peanut butter undertones.
  • Enjoy Fresh Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a tangy raspberry sauce to introduce a bright, acidic element that cuts through the cake's heavy sweetness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser.

How to Store Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.

Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.

Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore cake’s original soft texture and enhance flavors.

Print
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Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet and indulgent peanut butter banana chocolate chip cake brings comfort and joy to dessert lovers. Rich layers of moist banana cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and chocolate chips create a delightful treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Chocolate Ganache Glaze:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Peanut Butter Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment at 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch bundt pan by greasing and flouring the surface thoroughly.
  2. Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside for later incorporation.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Blend mashed bananas and sour cream into the wet ingredients until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture, then carefully incorporate chocolate chips.
  7. Transfer batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly to ensure consistent baking.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  9. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Create chocolate ganache by heating cream until it simmers, then pour over chocolate chips and whisk until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
  11. Prepare peanut butter glaze by whisking peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk until reaching a pourable consistency.
  12. Once cake has cooled completely, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top, followed by a zigzag pattern of peanut butter glaze for visual appeal.
  13. Slice and serve the decadent cake at room temperature, perfect for dessert or an indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same tender cake texture.
  • Use ripe, almost overripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture, preventing dry cake consistency.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for diabetic-friendly version without compromising flavor profile.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives to create a dairy-free and vegan-friendly cake option that maintains rich, decadent taste.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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