Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Irresistible Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Whipping up a slice of warm chocolate banana bread can instantly brighten your mood on chilly afternoons.

Ripe bananas mash perfectly with rich cocoa, creating a decadent treat that surprises even seasoned bakers.

Sweet aromas fill the kitchen as ingredients blend seamlessly into a batter promising comfort and indulgence.

Deeply moist and intensely flavorful, this recipe combines classic ingredients with a delightful twist that makes everyone smile.

chocolate lovers appreciate how smoothly bananas complement the deep, dark notes of cocoa in each tender crumb.

Simple techniques guarantee success, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey.

Fresh from the oven, this bread beckons you to cut a thick slice and savor every delectable moment.

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread For Dessert Bliss

  • Boost Family Excitement: Packed with rich chocolate and ripe bananas, this bread becomes an instant crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love devouring together.
  • Simplify Baking Process: Requires basic kitchen ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
  • Versatile Comfort Treat: Serves as a delightful breakfast option, afternoon snack, or dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature with minimal preparation hassle.
  • Customize with Ease: Allows creative additions like nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt to personalize the recipe according to individual taste preferences.

What Goes In Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Magic

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that provides structure to the chocolate banana bread.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the bread.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a tender texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
  • Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps create a soft, moist texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the bread.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients and helps with structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to complement the chocolate and banana.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra bursts of chocolate flavor and creates delightful chocolate pockets throughout the bread.

Steps To Make Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Easily

Step 1: Preheat And Prepare

Turn your oven to 350F.

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Make sure all dry ingredients are well combined with no lumps.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and mash ripe bananas until smooth.

Add:
  • Melted butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Brown sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract

Stir everything until the mixture looks glossy and well incorporated.

Step 4: Blend Wet And Dry Ingredients

Pour dry mixture into wet ingredients.

Gently fold until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Add chocolate chips and softly fold them throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake Delicious Bread

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra decadence.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let bread rest in pan for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove and transfer to wire rack.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your rich chocolate banana bread!

Tips For Moist Chocolate Banana Bread Perfection

  • Use super ripe, brown-spotted bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor in your bread.
  • Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to keep them evenly distributed and prevent sinking.
  • Insert toothpick near center – a few moist crumbs are okay, but avoid wet batter for perfect texture.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months for an easy make-ahead treat.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate taste without making it taste like coffee.

Banana Bread Variations With Extra Chocolate Flavor

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains rich flavor and moist texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Banana Loaf: Swap egg with flax egg and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative that's equally decadent and satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Banana Bread: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the bread's indulgent taste.
  • Nutty Chocolate Banana Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty depth, enhancing the bread's complex flavor profile.

Serving Rich Chocolate Banana Bread With Coffee

  • Chocolate Lover's Delight: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
  • Breakfast Bliss: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to elevate your morning routine.
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Create a quick dessert by topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips for added indulgence.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that's sure to impress friends and family.

Storing Rich Chocolate Banana Bread For Snacking

  • Wrap cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevents moisture loss and maintains soft texture.
  • Slice bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices or whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, toast in toaster oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes. Restores slightly crisp edges and warm center.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Just maintain the same measurement of 3/4 cup.

  • How ripe should the bananas be?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your chocolate banana bread will be.

  • Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic mixing techniques. Even novice bakers can successfully make this delicious chocolate banana bread.

  • Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in quick bread recipes, ensuring a similar texture and consistency.

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Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate banana bread merges rich cocoa with ripe bananas, creating a moist, irresistible treat. Sweet comfort fills each slice, inviting you to savor this delightful homemade dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 3 large brown bananas (1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup canola, vegetable, or coconut oil
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a dry mixture by thoroughly whisking together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
  3. In a separate large bowl, thoroughly mash ripe bananas and blend with melted butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  5. Carefully blend most of the chocolate chips into the batter, reserving a small portion for topping.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring even distribution and sprinkling the remaining chocolate chips across the surface.
  7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, which helps it set and prevents breaking.
  9. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

  • Use overripe, dark brown bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a tender crumb.
  • Replace some flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, adding nutty complexity to the bread.
  • Reduce sugar slightly by using very ripe bananas, which naturally increase sweetness and moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 195 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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