Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Fans

Crafting a delightful banana chocolate chip poke cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Moist layers infused with creamy pudding promise a delectable dessert experience.

Chocolate chips scattered throughout add irresistible crunch and richness to every bite.

Soft bananas blend seamlessly with decadent chocolate, creating a harmonious taste sensation.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will adore this simple yet impressive treat.

Drizzles of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this cake from good to extraordinary.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds dance with pure joy.

Why Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Is a Crowd-Pleaser

  • Satisfy Sweet Cravings: Indulge in a delightful dessert that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the creamy sweetness of bananas, creating a mouthwatering treat that appeals to everyone.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Enjoy a hassle-free baking experience using a pre-made cake mix and adding your own twist with mashed bananas and chocolate chips, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a stunning cake that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery, yet can be easily prepared at home with minimal effort.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, gatherings, or simply as a delicious weekend dessert that brings everyone together with its irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor for the cake.
  • Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Chocolate Chips: Small morsels that create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
Soaking and Creamy Layers:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, sweet liquid that seeps into the cake's holes for added moisture and sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: A luxurious dairy product that whips into a light and fluffy topping.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Chocolate Syrup, Banana Slices: Optional toppings that enhance the cake's visual appeal and add extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Base

Whip up the chocolate cake mix following the package directions. Mash those ripe bananas until smooth and gently fold them into the batter. Sprinkle in a generous handful of chocolate chips, stirring until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into the prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake according to the cake mix instructions until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Poke and Perforate

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Grab a wooden spoon handle and go to town, poking holes all across the cake’s surface. Don’t be shy – really make those holes!

Step 5: Create Moisture Magic

Slowly drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake, watching it seep into every single hole. The milk will transform your cake into a creamy, dreamy delight.

Step 6: Whip Up Some Clouds

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms beautiful, stiff peaks. Spread this fluffy cloud-like topping evenly across the cake’s surface.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Grab your chocolate syrup and create artistic drizzles across the whipped cream. If you’re feeling extra fancy, arrange some fresh banana slices on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 8: Chill and Thrill

Tuck the cake into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows all the flavors to mingle and create a mind-blowing dessert experience.

Pro Baking Tips for Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

  • Banana Boost: Use overripe bananas for more intense, sweet flavor in the cake batter.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking.
  • Hole-Poking Technique: Poke holes while cake is still warm to help condensed milk absorb better into the cake.
  • Whipped Cream Stability: Chill mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for more stable, fluffy peaks.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free version for those with dietary restrictions.

Flavorful Variations of Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring celiac-friendly ingredients while maintaining the original recipe's rich flavor profile.
  • Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut condensed milk, dairy-free whipped cream, and vegan chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that's equally delectable.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative, and incorporate dark chocolate chips for a healthier dessert option with reduced sugar content.

Pairing Suggestions for Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake

  • Pair Creamy Comfort with Rich Espresso: Strong espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors that elevate the dessert's richness.
  • Complement with Caramel Macchiato: The caramel notes in the drink harmonize beautifully with banana and chocolate, adding depth to each delightful bite.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, decadent cake, creating a sublime dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Hazelnut Liqueur: A smooth hazelnut liqueur adds sophistication, complementing the chocolate and banana flavors with its nutty undertones.

How to Keep Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Fresh

  • Store cake covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it airtight to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Microwave single slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed to warm gently.
  • Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to soften whipped cream and restore optimal texture. Let sit at room temperature to take off chill.

Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake batter. Just ensure the consistency is similar to the boxed mix for best results.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They’re sweeter and provide more moisture to the cake.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. The flavors actually improve overnight.

  • Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

Reduce the sweetened condensed milk or use unsweetened whipped cream to balance the sweetness.

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Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe

Banana Chocolate Chip Poke Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent banana chocolate chip poke cake whisks dessert lovers through a dreamy landscape of moist layers and rich flavors. Sweet chocolate morsels nestled in tender banana-infused cake promise pure bliss for passionate bakers seeking delightful comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Cake Preparation Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water

Topping and Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

  • Chocolate syrup
  • Additional banana slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13 inch pan with grease and flour.
  2. Create the cake base by mixing chocolate cake mix according to package directions, gently incorporating mashed bananas and chocolate chips into the batter.
  3. Transfer the mixed batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake following the package’s recommended time and temperature guidelines.
  4. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes, then methodically create multiple holes across the entire surface using a wooden spoon handle.
  5. Evenly distribute sweetened condensed milk over the perforated cake, enabling the liquid to thoroughly penetrate the created openings.
  6. Whip heavy cream until it forms sturdy, structured peaks, then carefully spread the airy cream across the cake’s surface.
  7. Enhance the presentation by drizzling rich chocolate syrup and optionally arranging fresh banana slices as a decorative garnish.
  8. Refrigerate the completed dessert for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the texture to set perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Customize cake mix by using overripe bananas for deeper, richer banana flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Prevent chocolate chips from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before adding to batter, ensuring even distribution.
  • For gluten-free version, swap standard cake mix with gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels carefully.
  • Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened condensed milk and adding ripe bananas for natural sweetness boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes (approximate based on typical cake mix baking time)
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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