Moist, fudgy, and naturally sweetened with bananas and applesauce—this cake is a guilt-free chocolate treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened — bananas and applesauce reduce the need for extra sugar.
Moist and fudgy — perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a lighter dessert.
Easy to make — minimal ingredients and simple steps.
Kid-friendly and versatile — works for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: ~210 kcal per serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mash bananas and stir in applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow cake to cool before slicing into squares. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Use non-dairy milk and flax egg to make it completely vegan.
Add ¼ cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a larger pan?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly; a 9×9-inch pan may require a few extra minutes.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Absolutely — the cake will still be moist and flavorful.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is a wholesome, fudgy, and naturally sweet dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings without the guilt — a perfect treat for the whole family!