Chocolate Banana Bread

This decadent chocolate banana bread combines the sweet, moist texture of classic banana bread with rich cocoa and melted chocolate chips throughout. Using overripe bananas creates natural sweetness and incredible moisture, while the addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips transforms this beloved quick bread into an indulgent treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this chocolate banana bread delivers bakery-quality results that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Cool Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 mins
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 3 large overripe bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare for Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
2. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Chocolate Banana Bread:

3. In a large mixing bowl, mash the overripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
4. Add melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. The mixture should be warm but not hot.
5. Stir in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
6. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir until evenly distributed.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder until no lumps remain.
8. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few streaks of flour are fine.
9. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts if using, reserving a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top.

Bake the Bread:

10. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips on top.
11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should spring back lightly when touched.
12. If the top browns too quickly during baking, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
13. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use parchment paper overhang to lift the bread out onto a wire rack.
14. Cool completely before slicing, about 30 minutes, for clean cuts and proper texture.

Make the Optional Glaze:

15. While bread cools, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
16. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and glossy.
17. Drizzle warm glaze over cooled bread, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally.
18. Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

Banana Ripeness: Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots and soft texture. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.

Measuring Cocoa: Sift cocoa powder before measuring to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense bread.

Testing Doneness: The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. Overbaking will result in dry bread.

Cooling Patience: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and achieve the best texture.

Recipe Variations

Double Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons more cocoa powder and replace ¼ cup flour with additional cocoa for ultra-rich chocolate flavor.

Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the batter and swirl with a knife before baking for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.

Espresso Enhanced: Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder with the cocoa to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute melted coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly option.

Mini Loaves: Divide batter between 4 mini loaf pans and bake for 35-40 minutes for individual portions or gift-giving.

Storage Instructions

Store chocolate banana bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the flavors meld together.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.

The unglazed bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though it may become slightly denser. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Nutritional Highlights

This chocolate banana bread provides potassium and natural sweetness from bananas, while cocoa powder offers antioxidants and rich flavor without excessive calories. Using minimal added fat compared to traditional quick breads makes this a more moderate indulgence.

Each slice contains approximately 240 calories, making it a reasonable treat when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of chocolate banana bread warm with a pat of butter for breakfast, or pair with vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert. The bread is delicious on its own but also pairs beautifully with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate.

For special occasions, toast slices lightly and serve with fresh berries and whipped cream. The combination of warm chocolate banana bread with cool, tart berries creates a restaurant-quality dessert experience.

This versatile bread works equally well for brunch buffets, afternoon tea, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the natural sweetness of bananas creates a comforting treat that appeals to both children and adults.

Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this chocolate banana bread delivers the perfect balance of familiar comfort and indulgent chocolate richness in every single slice.