Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is the perfect blend of moist, chocolatey goodness with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and applesauce. This one-bowl recipe is not only simple and quick to whip up, but it also skips the oil and butter, making it a lighter yet delicious option for any dessert lover. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a casual gathering, or looking for a satisfying snack, this cake hits all the right notes. With only 15 minutes of prep time, it’s a stress-free treat you can enjoy any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

This cake is everything you want in a quick and easy dessert. It’s moist and rich without being overly sweet, thanks to the natural sugars in bananas and applesauce. Plus, there’s no need for fancy equipment or ingredients — just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas and sneak in some fruit while indulging in chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re health-conscious or just love a good cake, this recipe delivers flavor, simplicity, and a touch of nostalgia.

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, water, and vinegar to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined.
4. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until no dry streaks remain — do not overmix.
5. Stir in half of the chocolate chips (about 1/3 cup).
6. Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Evenly scatter the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
8. Bake for 33 to 37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Helpful Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter — mixing just until combined helps keep the cake tender.
• Check the cake at the 33-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• You can line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and removal.
• Letting the cake cool completely will help the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly.

Substitutions And Variations

• Swap applesauce with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a creamy alternative.
• Try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier, slightly denser version.
• Add in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to introduce a satisfying crunch.
• Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
• Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for an extra flavor boost.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up briefly in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake contains approximately:

• Calories: 241
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 209mg
• Potassium: 243mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 26g
• Vitamin A: 23IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 20mg
• Iron: 2mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve a warm slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You can even drizzle a bit of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce over the top for an added touch of richness. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, thawed frozen bananas work well. Just drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Is the vinegar necessary? Yes, it reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise. You won’t taste it in the final product.

Can I double this recipe? Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend should work in place of the all-purpose flour.

How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or has just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for trying this Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake recipe. It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy overripe bananas, and the fact that it’s oil-free and still incredibly moist makes it even better. I hope you love the soft texture, the rich chocolate flavor, and the ease of making it all in one bowl. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something sweet and simple, this cake is sure to satisfy. Happy baking and thank you for being a part of our food-loving community!

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is a moist, rich, one-bowl recipe made without oil or butter. Quick, easy, and perfect for snacking or dessert. A lighter treat the whole family will enjoy. Bake it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 very ripe bananas

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/3 cup water

1 tsp white vinegar

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
• In a medium bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, water, and vinegar to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined.
• Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until no dry streaks remain — do not overmix.
• Stir in half of the chocolate chips (about 1/3 cup).
• Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
• Evenly scatter the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
• Bake for 33 to 37 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
• Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for best flavor and texture.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.

Optional: Add nuts or sprinkle cinnamon for variation.

Freeze individual slices for a quick snack anytime.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 241 kcal
• Sugar: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 3g