Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and indulgent twist on classic banana bread. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, this bread is a chocolate lover’s dream. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it delivers a soft, tender crumb with pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

This bread is ideal for using overripe bananas and turning them into a decadent treat that appeals to both adults and children. The combination of bananas and chocolate creates a deep, flavorful sweetness that is balanced by the light texture of the bread. Double Chocolate Banana Bread is easy to make, comforting, and perfect for gifting or serving at family gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a simple banana bread and elevates it into a chocolate indulgence that is rich yet not overly sweet. The cocoa powder enhances the natural banana flavor, while chocolate chips add gooey, melty bites throughout the bread.

It is moist, soft, and perfectly tender, making it incredibly satisfying. The aroma while baking is irresistible, filling the kitchen with a warm chocolate-banana scent that instantly comforts. This recipe is also forgiving and versatile, allowing for mix-ins or variations to suit any taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a must-try because it combines the classic appeal of banana bread with the decadence of chocolate. It is a delicious way to use overripe bananas while satisfying chocolate cravings.

This bread is easy to make, universally loved, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks. Its rich, chocolatey flavor and tender texture make it stand out among other quick breads, ensuring it will become a favorite in any household.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 70–75 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices
Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
Cuisine: American / Baked Goods
Calories: Approximately 320–360 calories per slice

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by mashed bananas and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Stir in sour cream or yogurt until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
8. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream
Add sour cream or yogurt and mix until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.

Step 8: Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread sliced on its own, lightly toasted, or spread with butter, peanut butter, or Nutella. It pairs well with coffee, milk, or tea for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Recipe Tips

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Use a mix of chocolate chips or chunks for different textures.
Cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.

Variations

Nutty Chocolate Banana Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
White Chocolate Banana Bread: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Mocha Banana Bread: Add 1–2 teaspoons instant coffee granules to enhance chocolate flavor.
Vegan Double Chocolate Banana Bread: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy.
Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread: Swirl melted chocolate into the batter before baking for a marbled effect.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Special Equipment Needed

9x5-inch loaf pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire rack
Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
Spatula

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich, moist, and indulgent treat that combines ripe bananas with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Easy to prepare, forgiving, and irresistibly chocolatey, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Its tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and melty chocolate chips make it a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for anyone who loves chocolate and banana baked goods.