There’s something incredibly comforting about the Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze—a dessert that perfectly marries the deep richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This loaf is so delightfully moist and full of flavor, thanks to a generous helping of sour cream, and gets a glossy, decadent finish from a luscious chocolate glaze. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast treat or an easy-yet-impressive dessert, this cake brings pure joy to the table. The best part? You’ll find yourself sneaking another slice every time you pass by, simply because it’s impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of staple ingredients, each one bringing its own magic to every bite. From the cocoa’s deep, sophisticated flavor to the creamy tang in the batter, you’ll notice how each element enhances the overall texture, taste, and beautiful color of the Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze.

High-quality cocoa powder: The secret to a rich, chocolatey crumb—splurge on the good stuff for maximum flavor.
Boiling water: Unlocks the cocoa powder’s full potential, making sure your cake has that deep, satisfying chocolate taste.
Ripe banana pulp (about 1 medium banana): Adds natural sweetness and keeps the loaf incredibly moist.
Sour cream (15% fat recommended): The key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and slight tang.
Eggs: Provide structure and ensure everything bakes up just right.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, making the chocolate and banana shine even more.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it a soft yet sturdy crumb.
Corn starch: Makes the loaf even more tender and soft.
Sugar (50:50 white and brown optional): Sweetens the cake and adds subtle caramel notes if you use some brown sugar.
Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise beautifully in the oven.
Baking powder: Ensures an even, gentle lift for the perfect texture.
Salt: Just enough to balance the flavors and highlight all the sweet elements.
Softened unsalted butter: Gives the cake richness and that irresistible buttery flavor—don’t melt it, just let it soften.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Get your oven working for you! Set it to 175°C (350°F) and take a moment to grease and flour a loaf pan. This makes all the difference when you’re ready to turn out a perfectly formed Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze—no sticking, just smooth release.

Step 2: Bloom the Cocoa

Combine your cocoa powder with boiling water until it becomes a silky, aromatic paste. Let this mixture cool a bit. Blooming cocoa deepens the flavor, taking the chocolate notes in your loaf from nice to wow.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Banana Base

In a mixing bowl, mash up the banana with the sour cream until they’re completely blended and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then whisk until everything is smooth and inviting. This base brings the loaf its irresistible moisture and signature flavor.

Step 4: Blend in the Chocolate and Butter

Pour your slightly cooled cocoa mixture and the softened butter into the banana mixture. Give everything a good whisk to create a glossy, unified batter that smells absolutely dreamy.

Step 5: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures your loaf cake is fluffy and free from any surprise lumps. Each ingredient plays a quiet but vital role in the cake’s texture.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Add the dry ingredients, a little at a time, into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined—no overmixing allowed! The goal is a silky batter with all the flavor and none of the toughness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let your freshly baked Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack. Once it’s completely cool, finish with a generous pour of your favorite chocolate glaze—let it cascade over the sides for pure decadence.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze look as mouthwatering as it tastes, sprinkle a few banana chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or some shaved chocolate over the drizzle. A handful of chopped toasted nuts on top adds extra crunch and a pretty sparkle.

Side Dishes

This dreamy loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a bowl of juicy berries. For a breakfast spin, serve a thick slice with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey—it’s indulgent yet wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the loaf into dessert bars by slicing and drizzling each piece with extra glaze. For a festive brunch, stack thick slices with layers of cream cheese or nut butter. If you’re feeling really fancy, cube the cake to use in parfaits, or build an easy trifle with layers of fruit, glaze, and whipped cream. The possibilities are all delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It stays deliciously moist at room temperature for up to three days, and the flavor just gets better.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Slice the cake and wrap each piece in parchment, then seal in a freezer bag or container. The loaf freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop one straight into the toaster for a quick treat.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave (just 10 to 15 seconds per slice) brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, and the glaze turns gooey and irresistible. If you prefer, lightly toast a slice for a crisp edge and soft center—it’s pure comfort.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely! Let frozen bananas thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. They’re actually perfect for this recipe and add an extra boost of sweetness.

What’s the best way to make a chocolate glaze?

You can make a quick glaze by melting together chocolate and a splash of cream, or use a simple powdered sugar and cocoa mix with hot water. The beauty of Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze is that it’s forgiving—any yummy chocolatey brilliance works.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a non-dairy spread and use a plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream. The cake will still be luscious and moist, with all the best chocolate-banana vibes.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute the cornstarch with an equal amount of additional all-purpose flour. The loaf will still be tender, although the crumb might be slightly different, so don’t worry!

How do I know when my loaf cake is done?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with only a few moist crumbs. The top should feel firm yet springy, and your kitchen should smell amazing. Let the cake cool properly before glazing for the best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a chocolatey twist on a classic, I truly hope you give this Chocolate Banana Loaf Cake with Glaze a go. Each bite is cozy, rich, and utterly satisfying—perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking it again and again!