Name: Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup golden brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup avocado oil (or other neutral oil, like vegetable); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 cups banana, mashed (from about 3 to 4 bananas); ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (if using table salt, use half the amount); 1¾ cups Cup4Cup gluten-free all-purpose flour, divided; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1¾ cup banana, diced (from about 2 bananas); 1¾ cups semisweet chocolate chips

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If you have ever wished for a moist, flavorful, and utterly satisfying treat that is safe for gluten-free diets, then you are in for a real delight with this Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe. This cake brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the warm hints of cinnamon and allspice, and the indulgent pockets of semisweet chocolate chips, creating an irresistible dessert or snack. Each bite unites a tender crumb with bursts of chocolate and fresh banana that feels like a comforting hug. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply craving a delicious banana cake, this recipe is your new go-to favorite that delivers both texture and taste in harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients laid out on a dark patterned surface with a white marbled texture. There are three ripe bananas with brown spots, four brown eggs, a bowl of white sour cream with a wooden handle spoon resting on top, a bowl filled with dark chocolate chips, a purple bowl with light brown sugar and a wooden spoon inside, a small wooden spoon holding white salt, a pink bowl filled with white sugar with a brown egg on it, a green bowl with a light green liquid, a small bowl filled with white flour and a spoon with a brown creamy substance on it. The colors range from creamy whites, browns, yellows to dark black. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and perfect texture. From the moisture-rich bananas and creamy butter to the aromatic spices and smooth chocolate chips, everything comes together effortlessly to create a cake you’ll want to bake again and again.

Golden brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses sweetness that deepens the flavor and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with the structure of the cake.
Avocado oil: A neutral-flavored oil that adds moisture without overpowering the banana essence.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for a creamy richness and tender crumb.
Mashed bananas: The star ingredient offering natural sweetness and a moist texture that’s gluten-free friendly.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake incredibly soft and moist.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor and adds aromatic depth.
Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the banana perfectly.
Allspice: Adds complexity with a hint of clove and nutmeg notes.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Large eggs: Essential for binding and adding structure to the cake.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: The base that keeps this cake gluten-free without sacrificing fluffiness.
Baking soda: Provides gentle leavening that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Diced bananas: Added for bursts of fresh texture and enhancing banana flavor throughout.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate that elevate this banana cake to pure indulgence.

How to Make Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350°F and lining two 8½-inch loaf pans with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cakes won’t stick and will come out cleanly, shaping perfectly for slicing later. It’s always good to have everything ready before the batter, so you’re not rushing when the oven is hot.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together both golden brown and granulated sugars with avocado oil and softened butter. This combination is what gives the cake its moist, tender quality and rich flavor. Next, add in the mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend these until smooth and well incorporated, creating a balanced base that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flour

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they’re fully incorporated to achieve a smooth batter. Then, gradually add 1½ cups of gluten-free flour mixed with baking soda. Stir just until there are no dry bits—over-mixing can make the cake tough, so keep it gentle here. In a separate bowl, toss the diced bananas and chocolate chips with the remaining ¼ cup flour. This clever trick prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking, ensuring every slice has even distribution.

Step 4: Fold and Divide

Gently fold the floured banana and chocolate chip mixture into the main batter. This step keeps everything light and airy while distributing those delightful chunks evenly. Pour or spoon the batter evenly into the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops so they bake uniformly.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place both pans on a baking sheet to make transferring easier, then bake for about 50 minutes, until the cakes are golden brown at the edges and start to crack on top. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans for at least an hour before removing and slicing. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly and enhances the flavors.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe

A close-up view of a single thick loaf of banana bread sitting in a rectangular metal baking pan lined with white parchment paper. The top layer is rich brown with a slightly rough, textured surface that looks crisp and caramelized. The loaf has a central crack running lengthwise, revealing a softer inside underneath. In the background, there are blurred yellow bananas resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle a few chocolate chips or banana slices on top just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully and adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the cake’s natural appeal.

Side Dishes

This cake stands wonderfully on its own but shines brilliantly alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smear of smooth peanut butter for richer flavor. A fresh berry compote or even a warm mug of spiced tea makes for a comforting pairing that elevates your snack or dessert game instantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into small squares and serving it as bite-sized treats at your next gathering, perfect for sharing. Alternatively, build a layered trifle using chunks of the cake, whipped cream, fresh banana slices, and chocolate drizzle for a show-stopping dessert everyone will ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover banana cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and ready for whenever a craving hits.

Freezing

Want to enjoy this cake later? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana cake lasts up to two months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This simple step revives the softness and makes the chocolate chips luscious again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! While Cup4Cup gluten-free flour is recommended for its texture and rise, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free blend. Just be mindful that different blends may absorb liquids differently, so you may need to tweak the batter consistency slightly.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative like a plant-based yogurt. These substitutions will keep your cake rich and moist without dairy.

How ripe should the bananas be for the cake?

The riper, the better. Bananas with plenty of brown spots will be sweeter and more flavorful, which is exactly what you want to enhance that deep banana taste throughout the cake.

Can I add nuts or other dried fruit?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries can be folded into the batter along with the chocolate chips for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Just toss them in flour beforehand to help them stay suspended in the cake.

Is this cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, this Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe freezes beautifully. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw completely before reheating or serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a cake that satisfies cravings while being gluten-free, and this Gluten-Free Banana Cake with Chocolate Chips Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a tender, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a snack, or to brighten up your day, this recipe promises smiles and happy taste buds. Give it a try — I’m sure it will become one of your cherished favorites too!