🎉 Introduction
This easy vegan banana chocolate chip snack cake is the kind of bake you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s tender, fluffy, and packed with ripe banana flavor and melty dairy-free chocolate chips, all without eggs or dairy. Perfect for busy weekdays, lunchboxes, afternoon cravings, or a cozy dessert, this cake proves that vegan baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as classic recipes.
What makes this snack cake special is its simplicity. No fancy mixers, no complicated steps—just one bowl, everyday pantry staples, and a guaranteed soft, moist crumb. The bananas naturally sweeten the batter, while a hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking for a lighter treat everyone can enjoy, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To make this vegan banana chocolate chip snack cake, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl (large)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch square baking pan or similar
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and low-cleanup.
🛒 Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas (mashed well)
- ¾ cup soy milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-Ins
- ½ cup dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips
Using very ripe bananas is essential for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with minimal lumps.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add soy milk, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the mashed bananas.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly into the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined.
- Do not overmix—this keeps the cake soft and tender.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Slice once fully cooled for best texture.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 9–12 squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
A perfect snack cake that fits effortlessly into any schedule.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Reheating
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–12 seconds if desired.
This cake stays moist even after chilling.
🥄 Variations
Make this vegan banana snack cake your own with these easy swaps:
- Nutty Banana Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Extra Chocolate: Increase chocolate chips to ¾ cup
- Whole-Wheat Option: Replace half the flour with whole-wheat flour
- Spiced Version: Add nutmeg or extra cinnamon
- Lower Sugar: Slightly reduce sugar if bananas are very ripe
Each variation keeps the cake soft, flavorful, and comforting.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this cake fully vegan?
Yes, it contains no eggs or dairy. - Can I use another plant milk?
Yes, almond or oat milk works well. - Why add vinegar?
It reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise. - Can I make this oil-free?
Oil provides moisture; removing it will change texture. - How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots for best sweetness. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. - Is this good for kids?
Absolutely—soft, sweet, and kid-friendly. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices well and freeze up to 2 months. - Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing is the most common cause. - Can I bake it as muffins?
Yes, reduce baking time to about 18–22 minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
This easy vegan banana chocolate chip snack cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and pockets of melted chocolate, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you need a reliable, feel-good treat.
Perfect for sharing—or enjoying one quiet slice at a time—this cake belongs in every home baker’s collection.
Easy Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Snack Cake – Moist, Soft & Naturally Sweet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth with minimal lumps.
- Add soy milk, vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the mashed bananas.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly into the bowl.
- Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined.
- Do not overmix—this keeps the cake soft and tender.
- Fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Slice once fully cooled for best texture.
Notes
Yes, it contains no eggs or dairy. Can I use another plant milk?
Yes, almond or oat milk works well. Why add vinegar?
It reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise. Can I make this oil-free?
Oil provides moisture; removing it will change texture. How ripe should bananas be?
Very ripe with brown spots for best sweetness. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Is this good for kids?
Absolutely—soft, sweet, and kid-friendly. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices well and freeze up to 2 months. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing is the most common cause. Can I bake it as muffins?
Yes, reduce baking time to about 18–22 minutes. 🏁 Conclusion This easy vegan banana chocolate chip snack cake is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its moist crumb, rich banana flavor, and pockets of melted chocolate, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for whenever you need a reliable, feel-good treat. Perfect for sharing—or enjoying one quiet slice at a time—this cake belongs in every home baker’s collection.
