If you’re a chocolate lover with a few overripe bananas lying around, this Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect treat. It combines the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with melty chocolate chips, all wrapped in the soft, moist texture of classic banana bread.
Whether served warm for breakfast, packed into a lunchbox, or enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert, this banana bread will satisfy any sweet tooth. It’s simple to make, incredibly rich, and stays moist for days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your 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, mash the bananas. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—stop once there are no visible streaks of flour.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Stir in ¾ cup chocolate chips. Optional: reserve a few to sprinkle on top.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation:
- Triple chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate glaze on top after baking.
- Nutty version: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Vegan version: Use flax eggs and coconut oil, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Espresso boost: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder for a mocha twist.
COOKING Note:
Sour cream or Greek yogurt helps create a rich and super moist crumb while balancing the sweetness of the chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
- With coffee: Enjoy a warm slice with a cup of espresso or cold brew.
- As dessert: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For brunch: Slice and pair with fresh berries and yogurt.
- Snack time: Wrap slices individually for lunchboxes or grab-and-go treats.
Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas (brown and spotty) for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter—this can make the bread tough.
- Check doneness with a toothpick—some melted chocolate is fine, but raw batter is not.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 10 slices):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~34g
- Fat: ~14g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sodium: ~190mg
Estimates may vary based on ingredients and mix-ins used.
❓FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check for doneness as it may bake slightly faster.
Can I make it into muffins?
- Definitely! Pour into lined muffin tins and bake for 18–20 minutes at 350°F.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips?
- You need both for the “double chocolate” effect—cocoa powder gives richness, and chips give gooey texture.
Why did my banana bread sink in the middle?
- It may have been underbaked or overmixed. Let it bake fully until a tester comes out clean near the center.
Do I need to use sour cream?
- It adds richness, but you can substitute plain yogurt or even buttermilk.
Conclusion:
Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect way to indulge your chocolate cravings while still using up those ripe bananas. With its moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and simple prep, this loaf is bound to become your favorite chocolate banana fix.
Whether you enjoy it warm with coffee or chilled as a midnight snack, one thing’s for sure—it’s always a hit!