Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and chocolatey twist on classic banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips, this easy-to-make loaf is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Moist & Chocolatey: The perfect balance of banana sweetness and deep chocolate flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, one bowl, and quick prep.
- Great for Leftover Bananas: A delicious way to use overripe bananas.
- Customizable: Add nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy anytime!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Overripe bananas, mashed
- Granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- Brown sugar
- Eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- All-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Directions
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Combine & Fold in Chocolate
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips (reserve some for topping).
Step 5: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Stir in extra chocolate chips for more richness.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl 2 tablespoons peanut butter into the batter.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15 seconds or toast lightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I make my banana bread extra moist?
Use very ripe bananas and don’t overmix the batter.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Reduce sugar by ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
What’s the best cocoa powder for this recipe?
Unsweetened Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder both work.
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
It may have been underbaked—always check doneness with a toothpick.
Can I replace the oil with applesauce?
Yes! Use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce instead of oil.
What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Use a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Yes! Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for a crunchy topping.
What pairs well with chocolate banana bread?
A cup of coffee, almond butter, or fresh berries.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Banana Bread is rich, moist, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, it’s an easy and irresistible way to use up ripe bananas. Try it today and enjoy every chocolate-filled bite!
PrintChocolate Banana Bread
This Chocolate Banana Bread is moist, rich, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Made with ripe bananas and cocoa, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50-60 min
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 min
- Category: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (~1 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter/coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins (Optional):
- ¾ cup (130 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mash the bananas and mix in brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Make the Batter
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
5️⃣ Bake Until Done
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
🍫 Extra Chocolatey? Add a chocolate drizzle or more chocolate chips on top.
🍌 No Oil? Use Greek yogurt or applesauce instead.
🌱 Vegan? Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 5 tbsp water).
🔥 Spiced Twist? Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for warmth.