Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect indulgence for those moments when you crave something sweet yet comforting. Picture this: the aroma of warm bananas and melted chocolate wafting through your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple and rewarding. With a delightful blend of ripe bananas and rich dark chocolate, you’ll create a whimsical treat that’s moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
• Ingredients
• Preparing Your Loaf Pan
• Preheat the Oven
• Grease and Line the Pan
• Mixing the Ingredients
• Mash the Bananas
• Combine the Wet Ingredients
• Blend in the Bananas
• Incorporating Dry Ingredients
• Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Add Chocolate Chips
• Baking Your Banana Bread
• Pour and Even Out the Batter
• Bake
• Cool the Bread
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Breakfast Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

The beauty of this banana bread is not just in its taste but also in its versatility. It can be a cozy breakfast, a quick snack, or a delightful dessert. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the cozy, delicious world of baking!

Why This Recipe Works

This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is truly special. The key lies in the balance of flavors. Ripe bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, while the dark cocoa powder adds a rich, bold taste that elevates every bite. Not to mention, the chocolate chips create melty pockets of goodness throughout the loaf. Each ingredient has a purpose, contributing to the bread’s tender crumb and deliciously decadent flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper. Imagine the sweet and rich chocolate taste blending perfectly with the fluffy banana bread. It’s like having a slice of heaven! Plus, this recipe is customizable, so you can make it your own by adding your favorite mix-ins. And who doesn’t love a warm slice fresh from the oven?

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (380g) ripe bananas, mashed (about 3–4 bananas)
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) mild oil (such as canola, vegetable, almond, or avocado)
• 2 large eggs *or vegan substitute
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (130g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 3/4 cups (225g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (40g) Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder, sifted (or any unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (160g) semisweet mini chocolate chips + 1/2 cup for sprinkling on top

Preparing Your Loaf Pan

Preheat the Oven

Let’s start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.

Grease and Line the Pan

Next, grab your 9×5 loaf pan. Grease it well and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the longer sides. This little trick makes it super easy to lift the banana bread out when it’s ready!

Mixing the Ingredients

Mash the Bananas

Now, it’s banana time! Take those ripe bananas and mash them up until you have about 1 1/2 cups. If you find yourself needing a little extra, feel free to mix in some unsweetened applesauce to reach the right amount.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until everything is well combined. Then, add the eggs (or your vegan substitute), vanilla extract, and yogurt or sour cream, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Blend in the Bananas

It’s all coming together! Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture. Make sure to incorporate everything well for that fantastic banana flavor we love.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth. If it gets too thick, you can switch to a rubber spatula for easier mixing.

Add Chocolate Chips

Don’t stop there! Fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips using your spatula. They’ll create those gooey pockets of melted chocolate we all look forward to.

Baking Your Banana Bread

Pour and Even Out the Batter

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips on top for that extra chocolatey goodness.

Bake

Slide your loaf pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean. You’ll see the bread rise beautifully and form a lovely crack down the center.

Cool the Bread

Once it’s done, allow your banana bread to cool in the pan for about 30-45 minutes. When it’s cool enough, lift it out using the parchment paper, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter; this helps keep your bread light and fluffy.
• If you’re using a glass pan, consider reducing the baking time, as glass holds heat longer.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Dark Chocolate Banana Bread! You can replace the dark cocoa powder with almond or white chocolate for a different twist. If you enjoy nuts, adding walnuts or pecans brings an extra crunch to each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm banana bread with a slab of butter, or simply enjoy it on its own as a delightful snack or breakfast option.

Storage Tips

To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture. It also freezes beautifully for up to three months, making it convenient for future cravings.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy your Dark Chocolate Banana Bread with a steaming cup of coffee or a soothing cup of chamomile tea. This combination makes for a truly indulgent treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free yogurt for a delicious vegan version.

2. How can I tell when the bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is completely baked.

3. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some chopped nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.

4. How long does this banana bread last?
Stored properly, it can last up to 3-4 days at room temperature or about three months in the freezer.

5. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Of course! You can mix in milk chocolate or even a combination of different varieties to suit your taste.

This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread combines the richness of chocolate with the homey comfort of banana bread. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and bound to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a loaf that you and your loved ones will savor. Enjoy the magic of baking, and each delightful bite!

More Easy Breakfast Recipes:

• Pecan Caramel Banana Cake
• Banana Peanut Butter Cups
• Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bagel
• Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

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