There is something irresistible about the marriage of bananas and chocolate — two flavours that seem destined to meet in a warm, fluffy cake. From the very first slice, you’ll notice how tender and moist the texture is, thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a gluten-free treasure that proves healthier baking can be indulgent. Imagine the aroma of bananas mingling with melted dark chocolate as the cake bakes — it fills the kitchen with a comforting, homely scent that calls everyone to the table. Each bite is rich yet light, sweet but balanced, and satisfying without heaviness. Whether you follow a gluten-free lifestyle or simply enjoy wholesome desserts, this recipe delivers pleasure without compromise.
The oat and rice flours create a delicate crumb, while the peanut butter lends creaminess and depth. Dark chocolate chunks provide bursts of decadence that contrast beautifully with the natural fruitiness of bananas. This cake is versatile enough to serve at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert at a dinner gathering. You’ll love how quickly it comes together — no fancy steps, no complicated techniques. It’s proof that simplicity can be extraordinary when the ingredients are chosen with care. The subtle tang of lemon juice brightens the flavours and keeps the cake tender. It’s also a recipe that’s endlessly adaptable — add nuts for crunch, berries for a touch of freshness, or coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Most importantly, it’s one of those cakes that makes everyone feel at home.
You can serve it warm, with the chocolate still soft and melty, or cooled, where the flavours meld and deepen. This banana chocolate cake is comfort food with a modern twist — indulgent, nourishing, and beautifully balanced. If you’ve been searching for a gluten-free cake that doesn’t taste “healthy,” this is it. It’s moist, fluffy, rich, and subtly sweetened by nature. The best part? It always turns out perfectly, even for beginner bakers. One slice will never be enough, so don’t be surprised when the loaf disappears in a single sitting. This recipe is not just about cake; it’s about creating a moment. A pause in your day to savour something delicious, something you made with your own hands. Share it with loved ones or keep it all to yourself — either way, it’s an experience worth repeating.
⏱ Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty: Easy
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍌 Naturally sweetened with bananas, reducing the need for refined sugar
🍫 Bursting with rich dark chocolate chunks that melt into every bite
🌱 100% gluten-free and suitable for sensitive diets
🥜 Peanut butter adds a creamy depth of flavour and healthy fats
🥄 Simple one-bowl method — quick and beginner-friendly
💛 Moist, fluffy texture that stays tender for days
🍽️ Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a light dessert
📅 Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe = 8 servings)
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Sugars: 9 g
- Fibre: 3 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
👨🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-step)
Step 1: Mash the bananas
Mash ripe bananas until smooth with just a few small lumps.
💡 Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavour.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients
Add eggs, vanilla, milk, peanut butter, and lemon juice, whisking until smooth.
💡 Room temperature eggs blend better and give more volume.
Step 3: Prepare dry mix
In another bowl, combine oat flour, rice flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
💡 Sift the flours to avoid lumps and create a lighter cake.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry
Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
💡 Stop stirring as soon as no dry patches remain to keep the crumb tender.
Step 5: Add chocolate
Fold in chopped dark chocolate for bursts of flavour.
💡 Reserve a few chocolate pieces for sprinkling on top before baking.
Step 6: Transfer to pan
Line a loaf tin with parchment and pour in the batter.
💡 Grease lightly under the parchment so it sticks and doesn’t slide.
Step 7: Top with nuts
Sprinkle with chopped nuts for crunch and decoration.
💡 Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts complement the chocolate perfectly.
Step 8: Bake
Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
💡 Check with a toothpick: it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Step 9: Cool properly
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
💡 Cooling slightly prevents the loaf from breaking apart when sliced.
Step 10: Slice and serve
Cut into slices and serve warm or cooled.
💡 A warm slice with melting chocolate is pure heaven with coffee or tea.
Moist, rich, and naturally sweetened — made with wholesome ingredients for a healthier treat 💛
🛒 Ingredients
🍌 2 medium ripe bananas
🥚 2 medium eggs (or vegan substitute)
🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
🥛 60 ml milk (or plant milk)
🥜 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
🌾 ~60 g oat flour (½ cup)
🍚 ~55 g rice flour (½ cup)
🥄 1 tsp baking powder
🥄 ¼ tsp baking soda
🧂 Pinch of salt
🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
🍫 50 g dark chocolate (sugar-free if preferred)
🌰 Chopped nuts (for decoration)
🧊 Storage & Freshness Tips
📦 Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
❄️ Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness
🧊 Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months
🔥 Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes to restore softness
🍯 Avoid storing uncovered as the cake dries out quickly
🍽️ Kitchen Tools and 🛠️ Equipment Needed 🔪
🥣 Mixing bowls
🍴 Fork or potato masher
🥄 Whisk
🥤 Measuring cups & spoons
🍞 Loaf tin
📜 Baking parchment
🔥 Oven
📅 Nutritional Benefits
🍌 Bananas provide natural sweetness and energy without refined sugar
🍫 Dark chocolate delivers antioxidants that protect the body
🌾 Oat flour adds fibre for better digestion
🍚 Rice flour keeps the cake light and gluten-free
🥜 Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats
🥛 Milk or plant-based milk contributes calcium and creaminess
🥚 Eggs offer essential protein and structure
🍋 Lemon juice adds vitamin C and enhances flavour
🧂 A pinch of salt balances sweetness and improves taste
🌰 Nuts give crunch, healthy fats, and extra minerals
Perfect with tea, coffee, or as a guilt-free dessert! 🌸
🌿 Health Benefits of the Ingredients
🍌 Bananas boost mood with natural tryptophan
🍫 Dark chocolate supports heart health and circulation
🌾 Oat flour lowers cholesterol and stabilises blood sugar
🍚 Rice flour is easy to digest and allergy-friendly
🥜 Peanut butter helps sustain energy levels
🥛 Milk strengthens bones with calcium
🥚 Eggs promote satiety and muscle repair
🍋 Lemon juice supports the immune system
🧂 Moderate salt enhances hydration balance
🌰 Nuts protect against inflammation with omega-3s
📅 Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Serve warm with a scoop of Greek yoghurt
☕ Perfect with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up
🍵 Delicious alongside green tea for balance
🍦 Top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
🍯 Drizzle with honey for added sweetness
🥥 Sprinkle with coconut flakes for tropical flair
🍓 Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries
🍫 Spread with extra peanut butter for indulgence
🥛 Serve with a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat
🎂 Dress with melted chocolate drizzle for a party look
💡 Top 20 Tips
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and moistness.
- Blend the bananas instead of mashing for a smoother batter texture.
- Warm the peanut butter slightly so it mixes more easily into the wet ingredients.
- Sift the rice flour and oat flour together to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—keep the cake soft and fluffy.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
- Chop the dark chocolate into small chunks so it melts into little pockets throughout the cake.
- Add the lemon juice just before baking to help activate the baking soda.
- Sprinkle nuts only on top for a crunchy contrast against the soft crumb.
- Let the cake cool at least 15 minutes before slicing so it sets properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist for longer.
- Use plant milk like almond or oat for a lighter, slightly nutty flavour.
- Toast the nuts before sprinkling to bring out deeper aromas.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.
- Use a loaf pan for thicker slices or a round cake tin for a classic cake look.
- Check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the banana flavour.
- Place the cake in the middle rack of the oven for even baking.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cake.
♻️ 20 Professional Secrets
- Bananas act as both a natural sweetener and binder, reducing the need for sugar.
- Combining oat flour and rice flour ensures structure without gluten heaviness.
- The acidity of lemon juice is essential for activating the baking soda effectively.
- Using room-temperature eggs creates better emulsion and lift in the batter.
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content balances the natural sweetness of bananas.
- Peanut butter adds both protein and fat, improving moisture retention.
- Baking at 180°C (360°F) is the sweet spot for an even rise without drying the cake.
- Cooling the cake before slicing prevents crumbling and keeps clean cuts.
- A silicone spatula is the best tool for folding in chocolate chunks gently.
- Allowing the batter to rest for 5 minutes before baking hydrates the flours fully.
- Nuts on top create a natural barrier that keeps the cake’s surface from drying too quickly.
- Mixing dry and wet ingredients separately avoids clumps and improves texture.
- Rice flour helps create a tender crumb, while oat flour brings slight chewiness.
- The cake continues to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking by checking early.
- A digital kitchen scale ensures precise flour measurements for consistent results.
- Baking soda provides rise, but baking powder ensures stability in gluten-free batters.
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavour and colour.
- A loaf pan traps steam slightly, producing a moister interior compared to flat pans.
- Brushing the warm cake lightly with milk gives a glossy, soft crust.
- Freezing individual slices wrapped in parchment keeps the cake fresh for weeks.
🎨 Creative Variations to Try
- Add shredded coconut to the batter
- Stir in blueberries for a fruity twist
- Swap peanut butter for almond butter
- Use white chocolate instead of dark
- Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this cake without eggs?
🥚 Yes, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or a store-bought egg replacer for a vegan version.
Q: Is the cake sweet enough without added sugar?
🍌 Yes, ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, but you can add honey or maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
Q: Can I substitute peanut butter?
🥜 Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work perfectly and change the flavour profile slightly.
Q: How do I make the cake nut-free?
🌰 Simply skip the chopped nuts on top and use a seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
❄️ Absolutely! Wrap slices in parchment and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q: Why does my cake sometimes sink in the middle?
⚖️ This usually happens if the batter was overmixed or the cake was underbaked—check with a toothpick before removing.
Q: Can I replace rice flour with another gluten-free flour?
🌾 Yes, try almond flour or buckwheat flour, but texture will vary slightly.
Q: How can I make the cake extra chocolatey?
🍫 Add an extra spoonful of cocoa powder or stir in more chopped chocolate chunks.
Q: Is it suitable for children?
👶 Yes, especially if you use sugar-free dark chocolate and avoid added sweeteners.
Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
☕ With a cup of tea or coffee, lightly warmed, and topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate or nut butter.
This banana chocolate cake is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It combines indulgence with wholesomeness, proving that gluten-free baking can be both delicious and satisfying. The blend of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and rich dark chocolate makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time. Its simplicity ensures you can whip it up even on busy days, yet the result always feels special.
Sharing a slice with loved ones over coffee or enjoying it quietly on your own will always feel like a little luxury. Each bite is soft, moist, and perfectly balanced — the kind of comfort food that brightens any day. Whether you bake it for a cosy afternoon, a family gathering, or simply to treat yourself, this cake never disappoints. It’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying a moment of warmth, sweetness, and joy. And the best part? Every slice tastes like a hug in cake form.
