Chocolate banana bread is a rich, moist, and indulgent twist on classic banana bread, featuring the perfect blend of ripe bananas and deep chocolate flavor. This easy-to-make loaf is packed with cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and chocolate chips for a decadent yet comforting treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Moist and Soft: Bananas keep the bread incredibly tender.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips create a deep, decadent taste.
- Great Use for Ripe Bananas: A delicious way to use up overripe bananas.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ripe bananas (mashed)
- Unsalted butter (melted) or vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Add Sour Cream and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and chocolate chips.
Step 2: Bake the Banana Bread
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. For extra indulgence, spread with butter or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 50–60 minutes
Variations
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Add extra chocolate chips for a richer texture.
- Nutty Banana Bread: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Mocha Banana Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave a slice for 15–20 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw frozen bananas and drain excess liquid before mashing.
How do I prevent the bread from being dry?
Use ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter to keep it moist.
Can I use cocoa powder only instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, but adding chocolate chips enhances the texture and richness.
Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, vegetable or coconut oil works well for a slightly different texture.
How do I make the bread extra fudgy?
Increase the amount of chocolate chips and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much.
What kind of chocolate is best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best for a balanced sweetness.
Can I add fruit?
Yes, chopped strawberries or raspberries pair well with chocolate banana bread.
How do I get a crackly top?
Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top before baking for a bakery-style crust.
Conclusion
Chocolate banana bread is a moist, chocolatey twist on classic banana bread that’s perfect for any time of day. With its rich flavor and soft texture, this easy-to-make treat is a crowd-pleaser. Try it warm, toasted, or topped with extra chocolate for a truly indulgent experience!
PrintThis chocolate banana bread is moist, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips and banana flavor. A perfect treat for breakfast or dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Sliced banana and extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mix mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into the pan and top with banana slices and extra chocolate chips.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for extra sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.