Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Cake with Nuts

3.55 from 160 votes

This banana chocolate oatmeal cake is the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! Combined with a handful of ingredients, it comes together in minutes for a decadent treat that’s full of fiber and nutrients to keep you full.

Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Cake with Nuts and a drizzle of dark chocolate on top

I’ve been making different oatmeal cake recipes for years with variations like my apple oatmeal cake and 3-Ingredient Chocolate Oatmeal Cake. You should definitely make them if you enjoy this recipe!

However, this banana oatmeal chocolate cake is my favorite option when I’m craving something a little richer in flavor. Thanks to the cocoa powder in the cake and the chocolate topping, it tastes like a chocolate cake. However, the fiber and nutrients work to keep me full and satisfied for hours after eating.


Video Recipe

Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best banana chocolate oatmeal cake. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.

YouTube video

Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇


Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Cake Recipe

a slice of chocolate banana oatmeal cake lifted from the cake stand

This banana chocolate oatmeal cake is so delicious you’d never guess it’s not gourmet. Here are a few reasons why it’s one of my favorite recipes:

  • 🥜Dietary Needs: Naturally gluten-free and egg-free, this cake is easy to make dairy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free, too.
  • 🍫Versatile: Mix and match different ingredients and toppings to make it your own.
  • 👨🏻‍🍳Simple Ingredients: Seven staple ingredients are all it takes to make both the cake and the topping.
  • 🎉Failproof: With 15 minutes of prep time, 45 minutes of baking, and no complicated steps, this is the easiest cake you’ll ever make.
  • 🙌Nutritious: This recipe is full of vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. 

Recipe Ingredients

  • Rolled Oats: Form the base of the cake. Do NOT substitute quick oats or old-fashioned oats.
  • Milk: Combines all the ingredients and creates a smooth topping.
  • Bananas: Sweeten the cake and help bind the batter.
  • Cocoa Powder: Creates a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Acts as a leavener, helping the cake rise.
  • Dark Chocolate: Forms the base of the chocolate drizzle.
  • Nuts (Optional): Add extra crunch and a nutty flavor.

This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete chocolate oatmeal banana cake recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇

How to Make a Banana Chocolate Oatmeal Cake

rolled oat, two ripe bananas in a mixing bowl and a tablespoon of cocoa powder has been added
  1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180C (350F). Then, grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, and set it aside.
  2. Soak: Combine the oats and milk in a large bowl, and set aside to soak and soften the oats.
  3. Whisk: Mash the bananas in a separate bowl. Then, whisk in the eggs. Once smooth, add the cocoa powder and baking powder, and mix the dry ingredients until well combined.
  4. Mix: Pour the soaked oats into the banana mixture, and mix again until smooth.
  5. Bake: Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan, and bake until the cake is set. Then, remove the cake from the oven, and set it aside to cool completely.
  6. Make the Topping: Chop the chocolate, and transfer it to a heatproof bowl. Pour hot milk on top, and let it sit to melt the chocolate. Stir to combine.
  7. Top the Cake: Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cake, and add the chopped nuts, if desired. Enjoy!

💡 Leftover Oats

Have leftover rolled oats? Learn how to cook rolled oats, and use them in pistachio overnight oats, Snickers overnight oats, and tiramisu overnight oats. Or, make homemade oat milk to keep on hand instead!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Ripe Bananas: For the best taste and texture, use very ripe bananas like you would with a moist chocolate banana bread recipe.
  • Sweeten the Batter: If you prefer a sweeter banana chocolate oatmeal cake, feel free to add a few tablespoons of granulated sugar to the cake batter when mixing in the cocoa powder.
  • Make the Cake Dairy-Free: Swap the regular milk with plant-based milk, and use dairy-free chocolate to keep this recipe dairy-free.
  • Use Gluten-Free Oats: Look for certified gluten-free oats to avoid the risk of cross-contamination, keeping your cake completely gluten-free.

How to Store

  • Store: Once cool, transfer the cake to an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freeze: Transfer the cake to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Or, reheat the entire cake in the oven at 180C (350F) just until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chocolate banana oatmeal cake vegan?

I haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes and can’t guarantee your results if you do. However, I’d love to know how it goes if you give it a try! Let me know in the comments below.

Can I add mix-ins?

Sure, feel free to incorporate ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit into the batter.

How should I serve this recipe?

Enjoy this banana oat chocolate cake on its own. Or, pair it with toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast treat!


A decadent chocolate cake topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with chocolate glaze is on a light blue plate. A utensil is lifting a slice of the cake, revealing its moist interior.

Chocolate Oatmeal Banana Cake Recipe

Make this banana chocolate oatmeal cake with less than ten ingredients in just an hour for a decadent dessert that’s secretly full of nutrients!
3.55 from 160 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
DIFFICULTY Easy
Course Dessert
Cuisine World
Servings 8 yields
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 120 g (120 g) Rolled oats
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Milk hot
  • 2 (200 g) Bananas ripe
  • 2 Eggs large
  • 3 tablespoons (25 g) Cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder

For topping:

  • 3.5 oz (100 g) Dark chocolate
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Milk
  • ¼ cup Nuts of choice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare: Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Grease a 8-inch (20cm) round pan and set aside.
  • Make the batter: In a large bowl, place rolled oats, pour in milk and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, mash bananas, add eggs and whisk until combined. Add cocoa powder, baking powder and mix until combined. At this stage you can add sweetener to make the cake a bit sweeter.
  • Pour soaked oats into the bowl with mashed bananas and mix until combined.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is set
  • Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then release from the pan and allow to cool completely.
  • Make the topping (optional): chop the chocolate and transfer it into a heatproof bowl. pour in hot milk, allow to sit for 1-2 minutes and mix until melted and smooth. Drizzle the chocolate over the cake.
  • Chop the nuts and sprinkle over the cake.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located above the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.
  • Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 88mgPotassium: 378mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 106mgIron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.
Keyword oats

20 Comments

  1. Tina Morse says:

    Can vegan egg substitutes be used? Thanks.

    September 29, 2022
  2. 5 stars
    Great recipe. The cake ended up moist but not dense, and tasted very chocolatey.
    Thanks

    December 10, 2022
  3. if i want to sweeten the cake, how much sugar or sweetner do i use?

    December 15, 2022
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      It depends how sweet you want your cake. In my option 3-4 tablespoons are enough.

      December 16, 2022
  4. Hello,
    How many Weight Watchers points for a slice?

    February 21, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Sorry, but I don’t know.

      February 23, 2023
  5. Bake until what?

    February 23, 2023
    1. Until the cake is set.

      January 8, 2025
  6. The video states 4 tablespoons coca powder and recipe lists 3 tablespoons. I am doing to use 3,5

    May 21, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Both, video and recipe list state 3 tablespoons.

      May 23, 2023
  7. Can the cake frost for use later?

    December 7, 2023
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Yes

      December 11, 2023
  8. Can you use almond milk?

    January 19, 2024
  9. Susan Holland says:

    How long will the cake keep for?

    January 31, 2024
  10. ILoveFood says:

    5 stars
    I added 1/4 cup of Amaretto to this. I also added some diced pitted dates to the batter for sweetness instead of sugar. Great dense, moist cake!

    February 4, 2024
  11. 5 stars
    Fast and easy to prepare. Added a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon, great cake. No left over for freezing! Everyone asked for recipe.
    Thanks, will make often

    March 19, 2024
  12. Laurie Murphy says:

    Would it work if I substituted the oats for hazelnut flour?

    April 17, 2024
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Hard to tell
      I haven’t tried it.

      April 18, 2024
  13. RICHARD HECKERT says:

    5 stars
    are there any USA directions?

    January 5, 2025
  14. 5 stars
    Easier cake I’ve ever made, and it’s also delicious and healthy. Thank you.

    January 8, 2025
3.55 from 160 votes (155 ratings without comment)

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