Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is a moist, decadent treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate. Perfect as a dessert or a midday snack, this cake is simple to make and loved by all ages. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or looking for a new way to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Rich and Moist: The bananas make the cake wonderfully moist, while the chocolate adds depth.
Perfect for Ripe Bananas: A great way to use up overripe bananas.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Great for dessert, tea time, or even breakfast.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake?

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is a deliciously moist cake made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chunks. It’s a perfect treat that balances natural sweetness from bananas with the richness of chocolate, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the cake has a light texture and evenly distributed ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the chocolate chunks or chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour into the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Other Recipes

Jamie Oliver Steak and Pie

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

Whipped Cream: Adds a light and airy contrast.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Perfect for a warm slice of cake.
Fresh Berries: Adds a refreshing, tangy touch.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a classic, elegant presentation.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle for extra richness.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cake.
Don’t overmix: Stir until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Add Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle some extra chocolate chunks on top for a melted, gooey finish.
Test for Doneness: Check the cake with a toothpick for around 40 minutes, as oven times may vary.
Store Properly: Keep the cake moist by storing it in an airtight container.

Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

Nutty Banana Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Spiced Chocolate Banana Cake: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Coconut Chocolate Banana Cake: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks and add chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in Jamie Oliver’s chocolate and banana cake?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before mashing them, as they tend to release moisture when thawed.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chunks?

Yes, cocoa powder is already part of the recipe for a chocolatey flavor. However, you can add extra cocoa powder (1-2 tablespoons) in place of chocolate chunks, but the cake may be slightly less rich without the melted chocolate bits.

How do I store chocolate and banana cake to keep it moist?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate and Banana Cake is a deliciously moist, rich cake that’s perfect for using up ripe bananas and satisfying your chocolate cravings. With simple ingredients and a crowd-pleasing flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain—either way, it’s a treat you’ll love!