If you’re a fan of rich, moist cakes that combine wholesome ingredients with the indulgence of chocolate, then this Banana Oatmeal Cocoa Cake Loaf is the perfect recipe to add to your baking collection. It’s the ideal balance between healthy and satisfying, made with ripe bananas, oats, and cocoa powder that come together to create a wonderfully soft and chocolatey loaf. This cake loaf is one of those recipes that feels comforting yet not overly heavy, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means you can use less sugar, while oats provide a lovely nutty texture that keeps you full longer. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas sitting on your counter and transform them into something truly irresistible.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar or coconut sugar

• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter or coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (135 g) rolled oats (ground into oat flour or left whole)

• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour

• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional for extra chocolate flavor)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with a bit of butter or oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The more overripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.

3. Add the wet ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add eggs, sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until fully combined and smooth.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the oat flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to mix evenly and eliminate lumps.

5. Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix only until just combined—overmixing can make the loaf dense. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

6. Pour and bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of yogurt on top.

Nutrients

• Calories: 220 kcal per slice

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 12 g

• Potassium: 10% of daily value

• Iron: 6% of daily value

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about banana bread, but when you add cocoa powder and oats, it turns into a wholesome chocolate dream. You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, one-bowl, and doesn’t require fancy equipment. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too heavy. The banana and cocoa combination gives it that classic, cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra fiber and nutrients while still enjoying dessert. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at breakfast, brunch, or even as a healthy dessert for guests.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe was inspired by traditional banana bread—a classic comfort food loved across generations. However, it has been given a modern twist by incorporating oats and cocoa powder for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. Oat-based baking has gained popularity in recent years for its wholesome appeal, and chocolate, of course, never goes out of style. The result is a loaf that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, combining the rustic simplicity of old-fashioned banana bread with the indulgence of a chocolate cake. It’s the perfect example of how classic recipes evolve into healthier, trendier versions without losing their heartwarming essence.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bananas: The star of the show—ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, rich moisture, and that iconic banana flavor that pairs perfectly with cocoa.
Oats: They give the loaf a soft yet hearty texture, while adding dietary fiber and keeping it filling. Grinding them into oat flour creates a light crumb, while keeping some whole adds a rustic feel.
Cocoa Powder: This brings in the deep chocolate flavor that makes the loaf taste indulgent while staying wholesome.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel-like sweetness that complements the banana.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Both options keep the loaf moist and rich, with butter giving a creamy flavor and coconut oil adding a light tropical note.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, tying the chocolate and banana elements together beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This loaf stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’d like to store it longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces in plastic wrap or resealable bags. When ready to enjoy, reheat a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm it up in a toaster oven. For an extra treat, spread some peanut butter or cream cheese on top before serving.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily customize it based on what you have or what you love. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for added crunch. If you’re craving more chocolate, swirl in a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate into the batter before baking. Want to keep it gluten-free? Use only oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and the butter with coconut oil. You can also mix in shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even a handful of fresh berries for extra bursts of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Banana Oatmeal Cocoa Cake Loaf pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or a frothy cappuccino. For a more refreshing option, enjoy it with a glass of cold milk or almond milk. If you’re serving it as dessert, a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on top makes it absolutely divine. For a lighter, brunch-style serving, add a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. The loaf’s mild sweetness allows it to work well with both rich and light accompaniments, making it incredibly versatile.

Health Benefits

Don’t be fooled by its indulgent chocolate flavor—this loaf packs a nutritional punch. The bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and natural sugars that provide quick energy without refined sweeteners. Oats are full of soluble fiber, which supports heart health and helps manage cholesterol levels. Cocoa powder is loaded with antioxidants that can boost mood and improve brain function. The reduced sugar and fat content make this a healthier alternative to regular chocolate cake, while still delivering all the satisfaction of a sweet treat. It’s proof that healthy desserts don’t have to taste bland—they can be decadently delicious too.

Conclusion

The Banana Oatmeal Cocoa Cake Loaf is the perfect fusion of health and indulgence. It’s moist, flavorful, and rich in both taste and texture. Each slice offers the warmth of homemade banana bread and the decadence of chocolate cake—all in one loaf. Whether you’re baking it for your family, bringing it to a brunch, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s wholesome, satisfying, and utterly comforting.