Chocolate Marble Banana Bread

Chocolate Marble Banana Bread is a beautiful twist on the classic banana bread recipe, combining moist banana bread with rich chocolate swirls for a deliciously satisfying treat. With its soft crumb, deep banana flavor, and eye-catching marbled design, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This banana bread is moist, flavorful, and visually impressive, yet easy to make. The chocolate swirl adds richness without overpowering the natural sweetness of the bananas. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy chocolate cravings at the same time. Plus, the marbled effect makes every slice unique and appealing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ripe bananas (mashed)
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk (or buttermilk)
• Optional: chocolate chips or chunks

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until just combined.
5. Divide the batter in half. Mix cocoa powder into one half to create the chocolate batter.
6. Alternate spoonfuls of plain and chocolate batter into the loaf pan. Use a knife to swirl gently for a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices

Variations

• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• Extra chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for double chocolate flavor.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Mini loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans and adjust bake time to 25–30 minutes.
• Muffin style: Turn the batter into marbled muffins—bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store at room temperature wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly to warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using.

How do I get a good marble effect?

Alternate scoops of plain and chocolate batter and swirl gently with a knife—don’t overmix.

Can I make this without cocoa powder?

Yes, omit the chocolate swirl for a classic banana bread or replace with cinnamon for a spiced version.

Why is my banana bread dry?

It may have been overbaked or too much flour was added. Be sure to measure flour correctly and check for doneness early.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this recipe sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness, but you can adjust sugar to taste or use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf.

What kind of milk should I use?

Any milk works—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. Buttermilk gives extra moisture and tang.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs, butter with plant-based margarine, and use non-dairy milk.

What can I serve this with?

Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a spread of butter or cream cheese for a satisfying snack or breakfast.

Conclusion

Chocolate Marble Banana Bread is a delicious and eye-catching way to elevate traditional banana bread. With its moist crumb, swirls of chocolate, and irresistible flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Easy to bake and perfect for sharing (or not!), this banana bread is a must-try for anyone who loves a cozy, homemade treat with a touch of decadence.

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