If you love the comforting warmth of classic banana bread but crave something a little more indulgent, this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe will be your new go-to treat. Combining the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas with the richness of cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips, this loaf is the perfect balance of fruity and decadent. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or a spontaneous dessert, each slice offers a luscious chocolatey hug that feels like a special occasion every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a loaf bursting with flavor and delightful texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the bananas lending moisture and natural sweetness, to the cocoa powder which adds that deep chocolate note you crave.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: They provide natural sweetness and keep the bread moist.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the loaf just enough without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil: Adds richness and tender crumb to the bread.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together for a perfect structure.
- 1 cup flour: The base that gives the bread its shape and substance.
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Infuses that deep, irresistible chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the loaf.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick, making it effortless to remove once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the sugar, melted butter (or oil), and the egg, mixing until everything is combined and glossy. This mixture is the heart of your bread, giving it sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. This dry blend ensures your loaf will rise well and have a perfect chocolate-infused structure without clumps.
Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Together
Gently combine the dry ingredients with the wet banana mixture. Stir just until blended to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for those irresistible melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top can make this loaf look as indulgent as it tastes. For an extra touch, spread a little cream cheese or nut butter on a warm slice for delicious contrast.
Side Dishes
Serving your Double Chocolate Banana Bread with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it from simple snack to dessert worthy of a celebration. A cup of coffee or hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, enhancing the chocolatey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf into smaller pieces for cute finger foods at brunch or parties. You can also toast leftover slices and spread with peanut butter or honey for a comforting twist. For a festive touch, add chopped nuts or sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe keeps well when wrapped tightly in plastic or foil at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bread actually tastes even better after a day, as the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezing
To enjoy later, freeze whole or sliced bread wrapped securely in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature whenever a chocolate banana craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked aroma and gooey chocolate texture. A warm piece always tastes like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use less sugar in the Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Since ripe bananas add natural sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread. Just keep in mind that sugar also affects texture, so don’t cut it too much.
What type of bananas work best?
The best bananas are very ripe ones with plenty of brown spots. They are the sweetest and soften perfectly when mashed, which makes your bread moist and flavorful.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, using oil instead of melted butter works well and keeps the banana bread moist. Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are best to avoid altering the flavor.
Is it okay to use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?
Mini chocolate chips tend to distribute more evenly throughout the bread, but if you only have regular chips, they will still produce delicious pockets of melty chocolate.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit such as cranberries complement the Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe nicely and add wonderful texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is like gifting yourself a warm, chocolatey hug wrapped in banana sweetness. It’s easy, satisfying, and hits the perfect spot whether you’re starting your day or winding down. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and maybe even share a slice or two with friends because good things taste better when shared.
Print
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and rich double chocolate banana bread made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. This delicious treat is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, combining classic banana bread flavors with a chocolatey twist.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Extras
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ripe bananas, sugar, melted butter (or oil), and egg. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and cocoa powder.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips into the batter evenly, which adds delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- For more even distribution of chocolate chips, use mini chocolate chips.
- Store the banana bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute oil for butter to make the bread dairy-free.
- Ripe bananas with brown spots will yield the sweetest bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
