If you are a chocolate lover who also adores the comforting, homey vibe of banana bread, this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It marries the rich, fudgy goodness of cocoa and melty chocolate chunks with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas, creating a loaf that tastes like a chocolate hug in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this recipe is simple to follow yet delivers stunningly delicious results that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first joyful step toward baking your Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor balance, from moistening the batter to bringing out the chocolate’s rich depths and creating a tender crumb you’ll love.
- 4 medium overly ripe bananas mashed: Their natural sweetness and moisture are key to a soft, moist loaf without needing extra sugar.
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Adds subtle richness and a tender crumb with a hint of tropical flavor.
- 1/2 cup honey or granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that perfectly complements the bittersweet cocoa powder.
- 2 eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and adding structure to the bread.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and deepens the chocolate notes.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread its body and shape.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich, chocolaty intensity without extra sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the bread rise evenly and keeps it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup chopped chocolate chunks: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate for delightful bursts of richness.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick and removes any stress when it’s time to take it out. The preheated oven promises even baking and a beautiful crust on your bread.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stirring these together creates a flavorful, aromatic base. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture while the eggs give the loaf structure. Coconut oil adds a subtle richness that elevates the overall texture.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these components until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make your bread dense rather than delightfully tender. The cocoa powder will turn your batter a luscious dark color and imbue it with that classic chocolate flavor.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chunks
The final touch before baking is folding in the chocolate chunks. These add bursts of melted chocolate surprises throughout the bread, taking it from great to unforgettable. Be gentle during this step to maintain the airy texture of the batter.
Step 5: Bake until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top, and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still moist — a toothpick inserted should come out with just a few crumbs. Once out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle extra chocolate chunks on top for an irresistible finishing touch. Let your loaf set for at least an hour before slicing to ensure it holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is wonderful on its own, but a light spread of creamy butter or a drizzle of honey can gently elevate each slice. For those looking to indulge, a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this bread into a decadent dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair your Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe with fresh berries or a warm cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. The fruity and spicy notes complement the chocolate beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into thick slices and toast lightly for a crunchy exterior with molten chocolate centers. You can also cut it into cubes and skewer them with fruit for a fun party snack or dessert. For a fun twist, serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. This way, it retains its moistness and chocolatey goodness for several delightful servings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen banana bread lasts for up to 3 months and can be thawed quickly at room temperature or warmed directly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly-baked feel. A quick warm-up revives the gooey chocolate chunks and soft crumb, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the coconut oil with another type of oil?
Absolutely! You can use melted butter or vegetable oil instead of coconut oil. Keep in mind that butter adds a richer flavor while vegetable oil keeps things neutral, but coconut oil offers a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate.
Do I have to use ripe bananas?
Yes, very ripe bananas are essential because they provide maximum sweetness and moisture. The softness ensures your bread is moist and tender without needing too much added sugar.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture, or add a teaspoon separately.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?
Yes, chocolate chips work perfectly in this recipe and will melt into delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the bread. Chunks simply give bigger, richer bites of chocolate.
How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?
The best sign is a toothpick inserted in the center coming out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. The bread should have a slight spring when pressed gently, and the edges will pull away from the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is one of those magical bakes that feels like a treat and a comfort food at once. It’s a perfect way to use up ripe bananas with the added joy of chocolate in every morsel. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a staple in your kitchen for cozy mornings and sweet cravings alike. So grab those bananas, preheat your oven, and bake a loaf of happiness!
Print
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a rich and moist treat, combining the natural sweetness of overly ripe bananas with the deep flavor of cocoa and melty chocolate chunks. Perfect for breakfast or a decadent snack, this recipe uses wholesome ingredients like coconut oil and honey to add a healthier twist to a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 4 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups mashed)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped chocolate chunks, plus extra for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil, honey (or sugar), eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to your wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Fold in Chocolate Chunks: Carefully fold in the chopped chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle extra chocolate chunks on top. Allow the bread to cool and set in the pan for about 1 hour before slicing and serving to let the flavors meld and texture firm up.
Notes
- Overly ripe bananas work best for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute honey with granulated sugar according to your preference.
- To make this bread vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan sweetener.
- Adding extra chocolate chunks on top adds a nice crunchy texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze leftover slices for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
