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Indulgent Chocolate Banana Bread

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

Moist chocolate banana bread with chocolate chips. Ready in 1 hour. A great way to enjoy ripe bananas and satisfy chocolate cravings.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:36:46 GMT
Moist Chocolate Banana Bread Save
Moist Chocolate Banana Bread | tastybysophie.com

Found myself stashing bananas behind cereal boxes last week. Not my proudest moment, but this chocolate banana bread recipe is worth getting sneaky for. The results are that incredible - rich, moist, and completely irresistible.

This recipe converted my banana bread-hating teenager into a devoted fan. After devouring three slices in one sitting, he didn't even flinch when learning what it was. Now that's a winning recipe.

Essential Ingredients

  • Very ripe bananas: Look for dark spotted peels for maximum sweetness
  • Dutch-processed cocoa: Creates deeper chocolate flavor than natural cocoa
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and rich caramel notes
  • Butter and oil combo: Creates perfect texture balance
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chunks work beautifully too
  • Fine sea salt: Enhances chocolate intensity
Chocolate Banana Bread Save
Chocolate Banana Bread | tastybysophie.com

Recipe Method

Banana Preparation

Mash bananas with a fork to 1½ cups, leaving small chunks for texture. This precise amount ensures proper moisture without compromising structure.

Mixing Technique

Combine wet ingredients first, then gently fold in dry ingredients just until incorporated. Stop mixing once flour disappears. Reserve some chocolate chips for topping.

Baking Process

Bake undisturbed for 55-60 minutes. Test with toothpick in multiple spots to avoid chocolate chips. Bread continues setting while cooling.

Cooling Step

Rest bread in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Patience prevents crumbling when slicing.

This recipe emerged from extensive testing during pandemic baking sessions. Early versions lacked the perfect balance - too cake-like or weak banana flavor. Five iterations later, this version achieved the ideal combination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve toasted with peanut butter for breakfast. For dessert, warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream. Dress up with powdered sugar dusting and fresh berries for guests.

Variations

Add espresso powder to boost chocolate flavor. Include chopped walnuts for texture. Incorporate peanut butter swirl for extra richness. Create holiday spice version with cinnamon and cayenne.

Storage Instructions

Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. For longer storage, slice, wrap individual pieces, and freeze. Reheat frozen slices in toaster.

Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe Save
Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Expert Tips

  • Use parchment paper sling for easy loaf removal
  • Top with extra chocolate chips before baking
  • Brush finished loaf with melted butter for shine

After testing countless banana bread variations - family recipes, professional versions, popular cookbook standards - this chocolate adaptation stands supreme. The flavor balance creates an ideal crossover between breakfast treat and dessert indulgence.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap Dutch cocoa for natural cocoa?
You can, but Dutch-process cocoa gives a bolder, richer flavor.
→ How ripe do the bananas need to be?
They should be heavily spotted or mostly brown for the best sweetness and flavor.
→ Is this bread okay to freeze?
Yes, just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil after cooling, then freeze for up to a month.
→ What oils could I use instead?
Try melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version.
→ How can I tell if it’s done baking?
Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean, except for melted chocolate, with no raw batter.

Banana Chocolate Treat

A rich chocolate twist on banana bread filled with chocolate chips. Perfect for those ripe bananas you’ve been saving.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
60 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 1 tsp baking soda
02 1/2 tsp sea salt
03 1 cup plain flour
04 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)

→ Wet Ingredients

05 3 brown bananas, mashed (gives about 1 1/2 cups)
06 1/4 cup melted butter that has cooled slightly
07 1/4 cup of canola oil (or vegetable/coconut oil, whichever you choose)
08 1 big egg, make sure it’s at room temp
09 1 tsp vanilla extract (use pure if possible)
10 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly

→ Mix-ins

11 1 cup of chocolate chips—save some for the topping

Steps

Step 01

Turn the oven on to 350°F. Use a nonstick spray to grease a loaf pan that’s 9x5 inches.

Step 02

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the plain flour, sea salt, cocoa, and baking soda by whisking them. Put aside for later.

Step 03

In a bigger bowl, mash those bananas using a fork. Add the cooled melted butter and oil, stirring to combine. Then mix in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until everything’s smooth.

Step 04

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle—don’t mix too much! Gently stir in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips.

Step 05

Pour the batter into your prepped pan, spreading it evenly. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 50-65 minutes, and check by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out mostly clean, you’re good.

Step 06

Let the bread sit in the pan for 15 minutes to cool a bit. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then take it out and let it fully cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  1. Stays fresh on the counter for up to four days if tightly wrapped.
  2. Can be frozen for up to a month with no problem.
  3. The riper your bananas—like, lots of brown spots—the better it’ll taste!

Required Tools

  • A loaf pan, 9x5 inches.
  • Bowls for mixing ingredients.
  • A wire rack to cool the bread.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Has gluten in it due to the flour.
  • Contains dairy—thanks to butter and chocolate chips.
  • Eggs are included in this recipe.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 311
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 4 g