This Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert. This recipe makes a moist and fudgy loaf that stays fresh for days, making it a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Moist and Fudgy: The combination of bananas and cocoa powder results in an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—enjoy it any time of day!
• Uses Ripe Bananas: A great way to minimize food waste by using overripe bananas you might otherwise throw away.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious Chocolate Banana Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Fork
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Loaf pan: A proper loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your bread.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps to incorporate air into your batter, giving it a light texture.
• Fork: Ideal for mashing bananas quickly and efficiently, ensuring they blend smoothly into the mixture.

this recipe

Ingredients

This chocolate banana bread loaf is rich, fudgy, and stays perfectly moist for days. It’s the perfect way to use up ripe bananas and makes a bakery-worthy treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• 1/3 cup applesauce or your favorite cooking oil
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make Chocolate Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper and pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork. Add the melted butter and applesauce (or oil), stirring until combined. Mix in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want just combined batter.

Step 5: Assemble the Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check at 50 minutes—insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let the bread rest in the pan for at least 30-45 minutes. Carefully lift it out using parchment paper overhang and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to continue cooling.

Step 8: Serve

Once fully cooled, slice your delicious Chocolate Banana Bread and enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread

This chocolate banana bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, serving it creatively can enhance the experience.

Toasted with Nut Butter

• Spread almond butter or peanut butter on warm slices for added creaminess and protein.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful glossy finish to each slice.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Top slices with homemade whipped cream for a decadent dessert option that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

Served Warm

• Enjoy warm slices straight from the oven for a comforting treat. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before slicing.

How to Perfect Chocolate Banana Bread

To achieve the best chocolate banana bread, consider these helpful tips. Each one contributes to making your loaf moist and flavorful.

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense bread rather than a light and fluffy texture.

• Check Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct baking temperature for even cooking.

• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps it set properly and prevents it from crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Banana Bread

Pairing sides with your chocolate banana bread can elevate its appeal. Here are some great side dish ideas to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the bread.

2. Coconut Chia Pudding: This light and nutritious pudding complements the richness of chocolate banana bread while adding texture.

3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad bursting with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast that brightens up every bite.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an indulgent dessert pairing that is hard to resist, especially when served warm.

5. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola on top adds crunch and nutty flavors, enhancing both texture and taste.

6. Dairy-Free Milkshake: Blend up a creamy dairy-free milkshake using bananas and cocoa powder for a delicious drinkable accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chocolate banana bread can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour or cocoa can lead to a dense loaf. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the bread tough. Stir just until combined for a soft texture.
• Bold Not Using Ripe Bananas: Using under-ripe bananas won’t provide enough sweetness or moisture. Choose bananas that are overripe with brown spots.
• Bold Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan is crucial for structure. Rushing this step may cause it to crumble when sliced.
• Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chocolate banana bread in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Banana Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Banana Bread

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chocolate banana bread.

Can I use other types of flour for Chocolate Banana Bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends, but adjust the liquid as needed since they absorb differently.

How ripe should my bananas be for Chocolate Banana Bread?

Look for bananas that are fully brown and soft. They should be sweet and mushy, ideal for baking.

What can I add to my Chocolate Banana Bread?

Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my Chocolate Banana Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Final Thoughts

This chocolate banana bread recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or spices to suit your taste. Whether it’s breakfast, snack time, or dessert, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Chocolate Banana Bread

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich, fudgy delight of Chocolate Banana Bread—a perfect blend of ripe bananas and cocoa that makes for a scrumptious treat any time of day. This easy-to-make recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist loaf that is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable options like nuts or chocolate chips, this banana bread is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it keeps well for days, making it a convenient choice for busy schedules. Enjoy a slice warm from the oven or with your favorite toppings for an extra special treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup applesauce or cooking oil
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mash bananas with a fork. Mix in melted butter and applesauce (or oil). Then add brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour and check doneness with a toothpick.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or chocolate chips before baking. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for optimal sweetness. This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for three months.