Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: double chocolate banana bread! It’s this incredible blend of sweet, ripe bananas and rich chocolate that just screams comfort food. I first tried making it on a rainy afternoon when I had some overripe bananas sitting on my counter, and I thought, “Why not?” The moment it came out of the oven, my kitchen was filled with this heavenly aroma that made my heart sing! Trust me, the way the chocolate melts into the moist bread is pure magic. Whether it’s for breakfast or a sweet treat later in the day, this banana bread is a game changer. You’re going to love it as much as I do!
Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it helps the bread bake evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, a good preheat makes all the difference!
Step 2: Mix Bananas and Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine those mashed bananas with the melted butter. You want to mix them well until it’s all smooth and blended. This creates a lovely base that’s rich and moist, so don’t rush it! You should feel the warmth of the butter marrying with the bananas—it’s heavenly!
Step 3: Combine Remaining Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Give it a good stir! You want everything to be well mixed and creamy. The smell of vanilla will start wafting through your kitchen, and it’s going to be hard to resist tasting at this point!
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s combined. This is where all that chocolatey goodness comes into play, and mixing it separately helps avoid clumps. You’ll want to see that beautiful dark cocoa color throughout!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in parts, folding gently to combine. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can make the bread dense. Just fold until you can’t see any more flour—it’ll be a bit lumpy, and that’s okay!
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Ah, the best part! Gently fold in those chocolate chips. I usually save a few to sprinkle on top before baking because who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate? Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every slice is a chocolatey delight!
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, pop it in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation while it bakes is almost unbearable, but oh, the aroma filling your kitchen is worth it!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because slicing too early can cause it to be mushy. Once it’s cooled down, slice it up and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. I love pairing it with a bit of butter or just enjoying it plain—either way, it’s a treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this indulgent double chocolate banana bread. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Enjoying a slice of this delicious bread means you’re treating yourself to something rich and satisfying, while still getting a bit of fruit in there too! How great is that?
FAQ About Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll give your bread that moist texture and sweet flavor just like fresh ones—plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas you’ve stashed away in the freezer!
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or if you’ve run out of eggs, don’t worry! You can use a few different substitutes. For each egg, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of mashed banana (how fitting!), or even 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Each option will keep your banana bread moist and delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your double chocolate banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about a week. Just remember, it’s best served at room temperature or slightly warmed for that gooey chocolate experience!
Can I add nuts?
Oh, definitely! Adding nuts can give your banana bread an extra crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, rich chocolate. Walnuts or pecans are my go-to choices, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chips, and you’ll have a delightful texture contrast in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, even for beginners—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Rich, chocolatey flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert that you can’t resist.
- A fantastic way to use up ripe bananas, turning them into something utterly delicious.
- It’s a one-bowl wonder, which means less cleanup and more time for savoring!
Tips for Success
To make sure your double chocolate banana bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips!
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. You want those bananas to be spotted and soft!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it to be light and fluffy. Just fold until you no longer see dry flour.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your bread around the 60-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached—don’t let it go too long!
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Cooling the bread in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding some nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a dash of cinnamon can elevate your bread to the next level!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the most delicious double chocolate banana bread that everyone will rave about!
Variations on Double Chocolate Banana Bread
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some delicious variations for you to try with your double chocolate banana bread! These ideas take the classic recipe and give it a fun twist that’ll surprise your taste buds!
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips or chunks. This adds a rich, bittersweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas.
- White Chocolate Wonder: For a sweeter touch, try adding white chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and create a lovely contrast with the cocoa in the batter.
- Nutty Banana Bliss: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. The nutty flavor complements the chocolate and banana perfectly!
- Spiced Chocolate Banana Bread: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the batter and swirl it gently with a knife. The combination of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter is pure bliss!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the batter before it goes into the oven, or right before serving. It adds a gooey sweetness that takes it over the top!
These variations are a great way to keep things interesting and make your double chocolate banana bread your own. Get creative and have fun with it—I can’t wait to hear which one becomes your new favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your double chocolate banana bread fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about a week. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed!
When it comes to reheating, I like to slice off a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This way, the chocolate chips get all melty and gooey again—yum! If you prefer, you can also reheat slices in a toaster oven at a low setting until warmed through. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might dry it out! Enjoy that warm slice of heaven, and feel free to slather on a bit of butter if you’re feeling indulgent!
Print
Double Chocolate Banana Bread: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist double chocolate banana bread that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of chocolate.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: double chocolate banana bread
