Chocolate Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

When it comes to comfort foods, banana bread is at the top of our list. Not only is it delicious but it also pretty much got the entire world through a covid pandemic. Although banana bread is pretty miraculous on its own, this chocolate banana bread version is that much more indulgent. The bread has both cocoa powder and chocolate chips for double chocolate flavor in every bite. 

This banana bread is perfectly soft and tender. Each piece is filled with chocolate chips that are the best addition to the chocolate banana flavored loaf. It is incredible served right out of the oven when the chocolate chips are still melted but it is equally delicious once it cools. There is no going wrong with this decadent double chocolate banana bread.

Ingredient Notes:

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for this recipe, which provides the right structure and texture for the banana bread. Our favorite to use is an unbleached all-purpose flour.
• Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for a rich and intense chocolate flavor in the bread. Our favorite to use is a dutch processed cocoa powder.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the bread rise and gives it a light and tender crumb.
• Salt: Diamond Crystal salt is used in this recipe, as it is less salty than Morton salt. If using Morton salt, reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon to avoid the bread from becoming too salty.
• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin for the best flavor and natural sweetness in the bread.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the banana bread. We prefer salted, but you can use unsalted or salted butter based on your preference.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil adds a subtle hint of coconut flavor and extra moisture to the bread. You can use more melted butter as a substitute if desired.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the bread. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference, using more or less sugar. Note that if you decrease the amount it will change the texture of the bread so do this sparingly.
• Egg: Use a large egg at room temperature for best results, as it helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the bread. Room temperature eggs are easier to mix in than cold eggs.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the bread. Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips provide a rich and intense chocolate flavor to the bread. You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips as a substitute if desired. Reserve some for topping the bread for an extra chocolate.

Tips for the best chocolate banana bread:

• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense and tough texture. Mix until just combined.
• Use a toothpick or a cake tester to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean, except for the melted chocolate chips. The bake time should be a guide as the bake time will vary based on the oven and the pan used.
• Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before removing to avoid it from falling apart. The bread is very tender so the pieces will fall apart if it is cut while it it piping hot.

FAQs:

Other types of banana bread:

Some of our other favorite banana breads can be found linked below.

Chai Spice Banana Bread: In this banana bread, we combine banana bread with chai spices and brown butter for the ultimate banana bread. We also add the mini chocolate chips for a chocolate chip brown butter chai spice banana bread that is really heaven in a bite.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread: You can’t go wrong with a classic. This recipe is a standard banana bread studded with chocolate chip. This one is made on repeat in our kitchen.

Banana Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Icing: Ok-not quite a banana bread but seriously delicious. This buttermilk banana cake it topped with brown butter cream cheese icing for one of our favorite dessert combinations.

Print

Chocolate Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt diamond crystal (1/2 teaspoon if morton)
• 3 large ripe bananas mashed
• 1/2 stick butter melted
• 1/4 cup coconut oil melted (or more butter)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips divided

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside
• In a bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
• With a fork in a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the melted butter and coconut oil and mix to combine. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  
• Combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, until just mixed. Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips.
  
• Pour batter into the loaf pan. Top with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips. Bake the bread for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (other than melted chocolate)
  
• Cool for at least 15 minutes before removing. Cut the bread and enjoy.

Notes

Adapted from two peas & their pod

Indulge in the best combination of chocolate and bananas with this chocolate banana bread recipe. With its rich flavor and moist texture, it’s a favorite of chocolate lovers and banana bread enthusiasts alike. So, grab your ripe bananas and make a batch (or two…) of this banana bread!