Healthy Double Chocolate Banana Cake

Wait until you try this cake! It's such a winner - the batter is chock-full of chocolate and bananas, creating a super-moist, scrumptious cake! There's also a hint of cinnamon; almost undetectable, but enough to bring out the warmth in the chocolate.

And this cake is healthy too! Mashed bananas not only add moisture and flavor (who doesn't love chocolate and bananas?), they help eliminate the need for tons of butter or oil in the batter. And bananas aren't the only fat-substitute - applesauce is in there too! You need just enough to create a moist, rich batter (while slashing fat); you can't actually taste "apples".

Let's talk about EASY - you don't even need an electric mixer; just two bowls and a whisk! Another win!

Since the cake is incredibly healthy, you can serve it any time of day. I served it for dessert - and then we all ate it for breakfast the next day! No matter when you choose to grab a delicious square, it's pure comfort in every bite.

Healthy Double Chocolate Banana Cake

Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ripe bananas, mashed into a puree (about 2/3-3/4 cup)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until well blended. Whisk in the flour mixture until just blended.
Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth surface. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over top.
Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until a wooden pick comes out clean or with little moist bits clinging to it.
Cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.

Serves 8-10