Best Chocolate Banana Bread – Indulge in the irresistible blend of rich cocoa. And sweet bananas with our Best Chocolate Banana Bread. Perfect for breakfast. Or as a decadent dessert. This recipe combines simple ingredients. Like all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, ripe bananas, and semisweet chocolate chips. To create a moist. Flavorful bread. That’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a chocolate lover. Or a banana bread enthusiast. This recipe promises a delightful experience.
The first time I made this chocolate banana bread. It was a chilly Sunday morning. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of baking bread and chocolate. My husband. Usually not a sweet tooth. Was drawn by the smell. And waited eagerly for the first slice. When my child. With chocolate smeared across their cheeks. Declared it the “best breakfast ever,” I knew I had found a new family favorite. It’s become our go-to treat. For cozy mornings. And special occasions alike.
What makes this Best Chocolate Banana Bread truly special?
What sets this chocolate banana bread apart? First, its moistness is unmatched. Thanks to the perfect balance of mashed bananas and fats. The addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Doubles down on the chocolate goodness. Making every bite a rich experience. Plus, the optional walnuts. Add a delightful crunch. And contrast to the soft, tender crumb of the bread. It’s an easy-to-make recipe. That yields consistently delicious results. Sure to impress your family and friends.
What You Need To Make This Best Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe?
All-purpose flour: It’s the foundation. Simple. But it holds everything together. Making sure our bread has the perfect structure.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the chocolate magic begins. It transforms the bread into a chocolatey delight. That’s hard to resist.
Baking powder: The little lift that makes our bread light and fluffy. It’s like the spark. That brings the dough to life.
Sea salt: A pinch that makes all the difference. Sharpening the sweet flavors. And making them sing.
Bananas: The sweeter and mushier. The better. They bring moisture. And natural sweetness. Turning every slice into a tender. Flavorful treat.
Egg: The binder that holds our bread together. Ensuring everything mixes well. And bakes beautifully.
Butter and oil: This combo guarantees our bread stays moist. And tender for days. It’s all about the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Light brown sugar: It adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. That makes the bread rich. And complex in flavor.
Vanilla extract: Just a dash adds a warm, comforting aroma. That pairs perfectly with chocolate and banana.
Semisweet chocolate chips: These little gems melt into the bread. Creating gooey pockets of chocolate. That makes each bite a dream.
Walnuts (optional): For those who love a bit of crunch. Walnuts add texture and a nutty flavor. That complements the chocolate and banana beautifully.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Steps To Make Best Chocolate Banana Bread:
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. And give it a good spray with nonstick baking spray. To ensure nothing sticks. It’s like giving your pan a little hug. To prepare it for what’s coming.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl. Whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. It’s like gathering your friends for a party. If you’ve got the time. Sifting these together. Is like ensuring everyone gets along smoothly.
Step 3: Now, in a larger bowl. It’s time to mash those ripe bananas. Until they’re smooth. With no big lumps. Think of it as calming them down into a nice. Even base. Add in your cooled, melted butter. The oil, a splash of vanilla, and the egg. Mix these up. Until they’re all getting along nicely.
Step 4: Sweeten the deal with your packed light brown sugar. Stirring until it’s perfectly smooth. And ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 5: It’s time to introduce the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Do this gently, with a spatula. Folding them together. Like you’re blending different worlds. Be gentle. As overmixing is like causing a storm in this peaceful gathering.
Step 6: Fold in most of the chocolate chips. And the walnuts if you’re inviting them. Keep some chips aside for dressing up the top.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smoothing the top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top. Like you’re adding stars to the night sky.
Step 8: Bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check at 50 minutes. As you don’t want to overbake this beauty. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. But coated in a little bit of chocolatey goodness.
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. This is the patience test. Then, gently remove it from the pan. And let it cool just a bit more. Until it’s warm and ready to slice. Serve and watch as it disappears slice by slice!
Tip:
For an extra luxurious and moist texture. Try this pro tip: after mashing the bananas. Let them sit mixed with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes. Before adding them to the other ingredients. This method is known as maceration. Draws out the natural juices of the bananas. And dissolves the sugar. Deepening the flavors. And adding an extra layer of moisture to your chocolate banana bread. It’s a simple step. That can construct a satisfying distinction in the end outcome. Giving you an even richer. More scrumptious bread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen bananas?
Just let them thaw completely. Drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Can I make this bread without nuts?
The nuts are optional. Leaving them out. Won’t compromise the bread’s deliciousness.
How long does chocolate banana bread last?
If by some miracle it isn’t devoured immediately. It will keep for about 3 days at room temperature. Or up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped. Or in an airtight container.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Best Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 c mashed bananas about 3 medium bananas
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/4 c unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 c canola oil
- 1 c light brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 c large semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 c walnuts chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl. Whisk together 1 c flour, 1/2 c cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp sea salt.
- Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl. Mash 1 1/2 c bananas. Add 1/4 c melted butter, 1/4 c oil, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 egg. Mix well.
- Combine Sugar: Stir in 1 c brown sugar. Until smooth.
- Mix Dry with Wet: Add your dry ingredients to the wet. Folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips & Walnuts: Fold in 3/4 c chocolate chips and 1/2 c walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 c chocolate chips. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then remove it from pan. And let it cool until warm. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
