There’s something truly magical about a cake that combines the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of chocolate chips, and the warm spice of cinnamon. The Ponderosa Cake recipe is one such treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special event, or simply treating yourself.

This cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also easy to make, and its unique layers of cinnamon sugar and chocolate chips make it visually stunning when sliced. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into a recipe that’s destined to become a family favorite.

What is Ponderosa Cake?

Ponderosa Cake is a moist banana cake layered with cinnamon sugar and semi-sweet chocolate chips, offering a rich and flavorful dessert with every bite. Its simple yet irresistible combination of ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s equally at home at brunch or as a decadent dessert.

Ingredients for Ponderosa Cake

Here’s everything you need to make this delightful cake:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (107g) packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for greasing
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 medium to large ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Ponderosa Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan with butter, ensuring the sides and corners are well-coated.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be used as a layered filling and topping.

Step 3: Start the Batter

1. In a stand mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
3. Mash the bananas and add them to the batter along with the vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, leaving just a few small chunks of banana for texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add one-third of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Add half of the sour cream and mix until incorporated.
3. Repeat this process, alternating between the dry ingredients and sour cream, finishing with the last third of the flour mixture. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Layer the Cake Batter

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
2. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, followed by half of the chocolate chips.
3. Add the remaining batter in dollops, spreading it as evenly as possible.
4. Top with the remaining cinnamon sugar and chocolate chips.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, rotating halfway through.
• The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
• Slice into squares and serve as is, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Ponderosa Cake

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
2. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
3. Even Layers: Spread the batter and toppings evenly to ensure balanced layers in every slice.
4. Customize the Flavor: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a dash of nutmeg to the batter for a personalized twist.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	320
Protein	4 g
Carbohydrates	44 g
Fat	15 g
Sugar	26 g

Why You’ll Love Ponderosa Cake

• Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to sour cream and ripe bananas, this cake is incredibly moist.
• Layered Perfection: The cinnamon sugar and chocolate chip layers add visual appeal and bursts of flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.

2. Can I substitute the sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and flavor.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Cover the cake in the pan with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 4 days. Alternatively, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

5. What other mix-ins can I add?

Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for added texture.

6. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Conclusion: A Cake Worth Baking

This Ponderosa Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The rich banana flavor, the warm cinnamon sugar layers, and the melty chocolate chips make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers in taste, texture, and presentation.

So why wait? Grab your ripe bananas, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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