If you’re craving something rich, moist, and packed with chocolate flavor, Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. By combining ripe bananas with indulgent cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips, this recipe takes classic banana bread to the next level.
For those who enjoy chocolate-based desserts, you might also love this rich Chocolate Sorbet with Warm Salted Dates or these simple yet satisfying Chocolate Rice Cakes.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, reliable, and sure to impress. Let’s walk through the steps to create this irresistible treat.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Moist and Rich: The combination of bananas and cocoa creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or breakfast option.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for gatherings, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for added moisture)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Whisking thoroughly ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed, preventing clumps in your batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly. Add:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft and tender bread.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate richness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence.
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. For best results, slice and serve warm to enjoy the gooey chocolate goodness.
Creative Variations for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl 2 tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter for a delightful twist.
- Mocha Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cocoa mixture to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Spicy Chocolate Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a unique spicy-sweet combination.
Expert Tips for Perfect Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can make the bread dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in a dense loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter.
For additional dessert ideas, you might enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips — a perfect pairing for banana bread.
People Also Ask
Can you add chocolate to banana bread?
Yes, adding cocoa powder and chocolate chips enhances the banana bread’s flavor by adding richness and depth. The chocolate complements the natural sweetness of the bananas, making the bread taste more indulgent.
Can you double a banana bread recipe?
Absolutely. To double the recipe, simply multiply each ingredient by two. Use two loaf pans and bake them simultaneously in the oven at the same temperature. Check both loaves after 50 minutes and continue baking as needed. The additional batter may require 5-10 extra minutes to fully bake.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Banana bread can become dry if too much flour is added or if the bread is overbaked. To prevent dryness, carefully measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method and check your bread 5-10 minutes before the recommended baking time ends. Additionally, using brown sugar or adding an extra banana can help improve moisture levels.
Can I add other mix-ins to my banana bread?
Yes, banana bread is highly versatile. Along with chocolate chips, you can add chopped nuts, dried fruits, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter or caramel for added flavor.
What’s the best way to keep banana bread moist?
For optimal freshness, wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. If storing at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience.
- For a bakery-style presentation, add a rich chocolate ganache inspired by this Chocolate Glazed Donut.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat.
Storage Tips for Freshness
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Conclusion
Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich, satisfying treat that’s easy to make yet impressive to serve. Whether you prefer it plain, loaded with nuts, or finished with a chocolate ganache, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
For more chocolate-inspired recipes, try these decadent Chocolate Covered Almonds or the refreshing Chocolate Sorbet with Warm Salted Dates.
For additional baking ideas and inspiration, visit these trusted resources:
- RecipeTin Eats for delicious yet simple gourmet-style recipes.
- Mom on Timeout for creative and family-friendly dessert ideas.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan 9×5-inch size for best results
- 1 Mixing bowls Medium and large sizes for dry and wet ingredients
- 1 Whisk For combining wet and dry ingredients
- 1 Spatula For folding chocolate chips and scraping the batter
- 1 Cooling rack To allow the bread to cool evenly
Ingredients
- For the ingredient section you can add the following items:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add-ins:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Whisk thoroughly to ensure the cocoa is evenly distributed and there are no lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate large bowl, mash 3 large bananas. Add:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft and tender bread.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate richness.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for an added touch of indulgence.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for best results.