Vegan Chocolate Banana Cake

Vegan Chocolate Banana Cake is the perfect way to use ripe bananas and turn them into a rich, moist, and fudgy chocolate dessert everyone will crave.

Made with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and peanut butter, this easy eggless, dairy-free, and oil-free recipe is a delicious snack or sweet treat that's simple for busy weekdays yet indulgent enough for special occasions.

If you love banana desserts, try my date banana walnut cake and peanut butter banana cake next.

Chocolate banana cake is one of those desserts I never get tired of baking because I absolutely love banana-based treats. I often make my apple & banana cake or classic banana muffins for a quick snack, but this one feels extra decadent thanks to its soft, fluffy, and perfectly fudgy texture with gooey chocolate chips in every slice.

The combination of ripe bananas, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and melty chocolate chips makes every bite rich, soft, and so satisfying. I also love that this recipe comes together in just one bowl with simple pantry staples I usually already have at home.

Everyone who tried this cake loved it, and even the leftovers disappeared by the next day, which is always my little "quality check" that a recipe is truly a keeper.

For more delicious chocolate desserts, try my chocolate walnut cake and chocolate chickpea flour cake, too.

🍌Ingredients

• Ripe bananas: Use extra ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and moist texture.
• All-purpose flour: Keeps the cake soft and fluffy while adding structure. Whole wheat or spelt flour also works well.
• Peanut butter: Natural unsweetened peanut butter gives the best rich flavor.
• Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and richness.
• Chocolate chips: Make the cake extra chocolatey and fudgy.
• Sugar: I used cane sugar, but white or brown sugar works too.
• Baking soda + vinegar: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Water: Keeps the batter smooth and simple without dairy.
• Vanilla: Enhances the chocolate and banana flavors.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.

As always, the full recipe, including a list of ingredients and measurements, is included in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.

🥄How To Make Chocolate Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, vanilla, vinegar, and water. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add the cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt, and mix well.

Step 3: Add the flour last and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: melt ⅓ cup chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for an extra chocolatey finish.

📋Variations

• Make it nut-free: Swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Add warm spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder adds extra warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and texture.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

🍰Easy Vegan Cake Recipes

• Lemon blackberry cake
• Cake with fresh apricots
• Carob powder cake