This delightful twist on classic banana bread is a chocolate lover's dream come true. Rich cocoa powder and chunks of semi-sweet chocolate are folded into a moist and tender batter made with mashed ripe bananas, creating a decadent treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time of day.
Adding light cream, whole milk, or sour cream lends a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread, while the subtle hints of vanilla round out the flavors perfectly. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a beautiful loaf that will impress your friends and family.
What is Chocolate Banana Bread?
Chocolate Banana Bread is a sweet bread that combines the flavors of ripe mashed bananas with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. It's a twist on the classic banana bread, adding rich chocolate flavor to the moist and tender texture of the bread. The bread is typically made with all-purpose flour, baking soda, sugar, eggs, avocado oil, or unsalted butter.
Light cream, whole milk, or sour cream can also be added to enhance the tanginess of the bread. Chocolate Banana Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, and it's a great way to use up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- All-purpose flour: a versatile wheat flour that is commonly used in baking.
- Cocoa powder: Powder made from roasted and ground cocoa beans; they are used to add a chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda: a leavening agent used in baking to help the bread rise.
- Kosher salt: This coarse salt is used in cooking and baking and is particularly popular in Jewish cuisine.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: They are fats used to add moisture and richness to the bread. Avocado oil is a healthier option, while unsalted butter is a traditional choice.
- Granulated sugar: A sweetener to this recipe.
- Eggs: used to bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise.
- Ripe bananas: mashed and added to the batter to add natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture.
- Light cream, whole milk, or sour cream: Used to add moisture and richness to the bread.
- Pure vanilla extract: used to add flavor to the bread.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: added to the batter to add chocolate flavor and a bit of texture.
Tools you'll need
How to make Chocolate Banana Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter and lightly flour a 9 x 5 loaf pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda into a medium bowl. Set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the avocado oil and sugar until combined, 1 to 2 minutes (if using unsalted butter, beat until creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the bananas, light cream, and vanilla and mix at low speed to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix! Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 1 hour.
Let the loaf rest in the pan for about 5 minutes; run a blunt knife around the edges to loosen it, then turn it onto a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: If desired, you can substitute whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Remember that the bread's texture and flavor may be slightly different.
- Cocoa powder: You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa powder, but remember that the flavor may differ slightly. You can also use chocolate protein powder for a higher protein version of the bread.
- Baking soda: If you don't have baking soda, you can use baking powder, but remember that the bread's texture and flavor may differ slightly.
- Avocado oil or unsalted butter: You can substitute any neutral-tasting oil, such as vegetable or canola, for avocado oil. You can also use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. If using butter, make sure it is unsalted and at room temperature.
- Granulated sugar: You can substitute brown or coconut sugar for the granulated sugar, but remember that the flavor may differ slightly.
- Light cream, whole milk, or sour cream: You can use yogurt or buttermilk instead of the light cream sour cream or plant-based milk for a vegan version of the bread.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can use milk or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips or omit them entirely for a loaf of plain banana bread.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bread: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the batter and sprinkle chopped peanuts before baking.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins: Turn the bread into muffins by scooping the batter into a muffin tin and topping each one with a few extra chocolate chips.
- Nutella Banana Bread: Swirl Nutella into the batter for a rich and decadent twist.
- White Chocolate Raspberry Banana Bread: Add white chocolate chips and fresh raspberries to the batter for a fruity and sweet flavor.
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
How to Serve
Chocolate Banana Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it warm, straight out of the oven, for a comforting and satisfying treat, or toast slices until they're crispy and spread with butter or cream cheese. Enjoy slices of Chocolate Banana Bread on their own, as a snack or dessert, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.
You can also serve it with freshly sliced bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist or enjoy a hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting snack. Whether you serve it plain or dress it up with your favorite toppings, Chocolate Banana Bread is a delicious and satisfying treat that's perfect any time of day.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and store it for 3-4 days.
To reheat: You have a couple of options. For stovetop reheating, heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil, and stir-fry the refrigerated stir fry for a few minutes until heated. Alternatively, for microwave reheating, transfer a portion of the stir fry to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until thoroughly heated.
Make-Ahead
Chocolate Banana Bread is a great recipe to make ahead of time for busy mornings or as a snack throughout the week. You can bake the bread 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can freeze the batter in a greased loaf pan and thaw it in the fridge overnight when ready to bake. Another option is to slice the bread and freeze portions in an airtight container or freezer bag.
This way, you can reheat the slices in the microwave or oven or thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy. By making Chocolate Banana Bread ahead of time, you can save time and always have a delicious treat on hand for any occasion.
How to Freeze
Freezing Chocolate Banana Bread is an excellent option if you want to make it ahead of time or have leftovers you want to store for later. After baking the bread, let it cool before wrapping it in plastic or foil. You can also place it in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Label the bread with the date and contents to quickly identify it in the freezer. Once wrapped, place the bread in the freezer and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat the bread, remove it from the freezer, then let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can then reheat the bread in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed.
Tips for Making The Best Chocolate Banana Bread
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the bread will taste. Use brown and spotted bananas for the sweetest flavor and moist texture.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda together before adding them to the batter. This will help to ensure that the ingredients are well-mixed and that there are no lumps.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk or cream are all at room temperature before mixing the batter. This will help the ingredients to blend more efficiently and create a smoother texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough and dense.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips gently, being careful not to overmix. This will help to distribute the chocolate chips evenly throughout the bread.
- Use a Loaf Pan: Use a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan to bake the bread. Grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Test the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, bake it for a few more minutes and test it again.
FAQ
Can I use other types of flour?
You can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the bread's texture and flavor may differ.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
You can use other types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but the flavor of the bread will be different.
Can I use other types of oil or butter?
You can use other oil or butter, such as coconut oil or margarine, but the bread's flavor and texture may differ.
Can I make the bread without eggs?
You can use a vegan egg substitute, such as flax eggs, to make the bread vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Test the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Related Recipes:
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 166 g (1-¼ cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 20 g (¼ cup) 100 % Cocoa Natural Unsweetened powder
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup avocado oil or
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 158 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas , from 2-3 brown bananas
- ½ cup light cream , whole milk, or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter and lightly flour a 9 x 5 loaf pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the avocado oil and sugar until combined, 1 to 2 minutes (if using unsalted butter, beat until creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the bananas, light cream, and vanilla and mix at low speed to combine. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just combined. Do not over-mix! Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 1 hour.
- Let the loaf rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, run a blunt knife around the edges to loosen, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Spicy Beef Stir Fry, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator and store it for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: You have a couple of options. For stovetop reheating, heat a nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil, and stir-fry the refrigerated stir fry for a few minutes until heated. Alternatively, for microwave reheating, transfer a portion of the stir fry to a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until thoroughly heated.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.