Ingredients

• Bananas – 3 medium-sized (ripe and mashed)
• Eggs – 2 large
• Sugar – 100 g (divided into two portions)
• Vanilla – a pinch
• Salt – a pinch
• Melted butter – 60 g
• Sour cream (15%) – 120 g
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Flour – 200 g
• Chocolate chips – 70 g

Baking Information:

• Baking pan diameter – 24 cm
• Baking temperature – 180°C (356°F)
• Baking time – 45-50 minutes
• Oven mode – Top and bottom heating, no convection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Mash the bananas:
   Start by peeling and mashing 3 ripe bananas in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. Make sure the bananas are smooth with some small chunks for texture.
2. Melt the butter:
   Melt 60 g of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Beat the eggs and sugar:
   In a separate large bowl, crack 2 eggs and add 100 g of sugar. Using a whisk or hand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add vanilla and salt:
   Add a pinch of vanilla and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
3. Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, and sour cream:
   To the egg mixture, fold in the mashed bananas, cooled melted butter, and 120 g of sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly combined. The sour cream will add a creamy richness to the cake.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift the flour and baking powder:
   In a separate bowl, sift together 200 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This ensures that the flour is aerated and helps the cake rise evenly.
2. Incorporate the dry ingredients:
   Gradually fold the sifted flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be smooth with no visible streaks of flour.
3. Add the chocolate chips:
   Gently fold in 70 g of chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout. The chocolate chips will melt while baking, creating rich pockets of chocolate in every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan and Bake

1. Prepare the baking pan:
   Grease a 24 cm round baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) with the top and bottom heating mode. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the cake inside.
3. Bake the cake:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
4. Cool the cake:
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and serve:
   Once the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake has cooled, slice it into portions and serve. This cake can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
2. Optional garnish:
   For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the cake before baking or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake.

Cooking Tips

• Ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake will be. Bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.
• Chocolate options: You can use semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. You can also substitute with chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chunks.
• Add-ins: For added texture and flavor, you can mix in chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter.
• Preventing chocolate chips from sinking: Toss the chocolate chips in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Storage

• At room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful during this time.
• In the refrigerator: If you want to keep the cake for longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, you can bring the cake to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
• In the freezer: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Calcium: 8% of the recommended daily intake
• Iron: 10% of the recommended daily intake

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to help the cake hold its structure.
2. Can I replace the sour cream with yogurt?
   Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. It will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
3. What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
   If you don’t have chocolate chips on hand, you can use chopped chocolate bars, cocoa nibs, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different twist.
4. How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
   Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the flour, which can make the cake dense rather than light and fluffy.
5. Can I add nuts to the batter?
   Absolutely! You can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas and chocolate.

Conclusion
Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is a deliciously moist and tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of ripe bananas, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla creates a comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and hard to resist. With its soft texture and bursts of melted chocolate, this cake is a family favorite that can be enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored for later. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is sure to bring joy to your table.