Description
Deliciously moist and rich Chocolate Banana Bread made with ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. This easy-to-make loaf combines the natural sweetness of mashed bananas with the deep flavor of cocoa, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread once baked.
- Mash and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well mixed and aerated for a lighter texture.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased and lined loaf pan. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips evenly on top for a decorative, melty finish. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This helps maintain the bread’s shape and improves texture.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter; it can make the bread tough.
- Check the bread around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftover banana bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nutty twist, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.