Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of cake that's not just decadent, but surprisingly healthy too! This Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake is the secret weapon for dessert lovers who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without the heavy guilt. Packed with the rich flavors of cocoa, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the moisture of applesauce, this cake is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a chocolate fanatic, a health-conscious baker, or simply someone who loves a moist, delicious treat, this recipe is your ticket to dessert paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well blended and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the wet ingredients, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can dust with powdered sugar, frost with chocolate glaze, or serve as is.
- Cut into 12 equal servings and enjoy your moist, rich Chocolate Banana Applesauce Cake!
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Check for Moisture: Use the toothpick test carefully. A few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick should come out mostly clean.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Customize Your Cake: Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor variations.
- Healthier Substitutions: You can replace some sugar with honey or use whole wheat flour for a more nutritious version.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and help it set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg
