Chocolate Banana Bread

The Best Chocolate Banana Bread recipe combines ripe bananas, cocoa, butter, sugar, and a handful of chocolate chips. A sweet, cozy treat that everyone loves!

Save

This recipe is one I’ve been excited to share for a while, but I wanted to perfect it first. My first attempts were good, but not quite dreamy enough. I realized adding extra chocolate chips and a touch of vanilla brought it to life. Using very ripe bananas also made all the difference, creating a moist, tender loaf that’s rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Banana Bread is one of those recipes that hits every comfort note.

Moist and tender: Each slice is soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist thanks to ripe bananas and melted butter.

Rich chocolate flavor: Cocoa and chocolate chips make every bite deeply chocolatey without overpowering the banana flavor.

Quick and easy: Uses simple pantry staples and comes together in minutes.

Kid- and family-approved: Everyone loves the sweet aroma and chocolatey goodness filling the house.

Versatile: Great for breakfast, snack, dessert, or even a coffee-time treat.

Make-ahead friendly: Keeps well for a few days or freezes perfectly for later enjoyment.

Save

Ingredients

For the Banana Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  
• ½ cup cocoa powder
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  
• ½ cup brown sugar
  
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  
• 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
  

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
  
• A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder for depth
  
• Drizzle of chocolate ganache for serving
  

Save

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender. Fold in the chocolate chips last.

5. Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.

Tips & Variations

• Extra moist tip: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Flavor twist: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder or cinnamon for a subtle depth.
• Nutty variation: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
• Chocolate boost: Use a mix of milk, dark, or white chocolate chips.
• Make ahead: Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

I like to freeze leftover slices individually. Then I can toast or microwave them for a warm treat any time. It’s just as good as fresh!

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For breakfast, serve slices with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese. For dessert, warm a slice slightly and drizzle with chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I often serve it at weekend brunch with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It also makes a perfect snack to pack for school or work because it stays soft and flavorful for hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains tender and moist.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

Can I use less sugar?

Yes. You can reduce granulated sugar slightly, but keep brown sugar for moisture and flavor.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Definitely. Walnuts, pecans, or raisins mix beautifully with banana and chocolate.

How long will it stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays moist for 3–4 days at room temperature. Freeze extras for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Banana Bread is everything a homemade loaf should be: soft, moist, flavorful, and comforting. The rich chocolate blends perfectly with sweet bananas, making it a versatile treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas.