Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort bake: Double Chocolate Banana Bread. Imagine a loaf so luscious it balances deep chocolate decadence with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, delivering richness in every bite. This is not just another banana bread—it’s an irresistible treat, packed with gooey chocolate chips and moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re craving a decadent breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or the coziest dessert, this Double Chocolate Banana Bread will steal the show and win over every chocolate lover you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry basics and a couple of superstar ingredients, you’re only an hour away from double chocolate bliss. Each element here brings its own magic—from creating lift and moisture to packing in deep flavor and those irresistible chocolate pockets throughout the loaf.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure your banana bread needs to hold up to all the chocolatey goodness.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The secret to a rich, brownie-like flavor and the bread’s signature dark color.
• Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise beautifully for a tender, fluffy crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives an extra gentle lift, ensuring your bread doesn’t turn out too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweet flavors, intensifying the chocolate.
• Unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil): Adds luxurious richness and keeps the loaf ultra-moist—choose oil if you want it even softer.
• Brown sugar (or white sugar): Brown sugar will give a subtle caramel note, but white sugar works perfectly too.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the moist, tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a warm depth and balances all the bold chocolate flavor.
• Mashed very ripe bananas: The riper, the better! These create natural sweetness and luscious moisture.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Helps create a super tender crumb and adds subtle tang that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: The star mix-in! These ensure every bite is studded with melty chocolate pockets.

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This lining makes it so much easier to lift out your Double Chocolate Banana Bread, ensuring a gorgeous, intact loaf every time.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This careful blending ensures the cocoa and leaveners are evenly distributed for a uniform loaf with that rich, chocolatey hue in every slice.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil) and sugar until you have a smooth, satiny mixture. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is glossy. Stir in the mashed bananas and your sour cream or Greek yogurt, which will make your Double Chocolate Banana Bread irresistibly moist.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Take care not to overmix—just until everything is combined. Overworking the batter will make the bread tough, so a light hand here creates the perfect, tender crumb. Stir in most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top for that bakery-style finish.

Step 5: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle those reserved chocolate chips over the surface. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know your Double Chocolate Banana Bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center emerges with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes so it settles and firms up a bit. Then, lift it out (thanks, parchment paper!) and let it finish cooling on a wire rack. The aromas will be almost impossible to resist—once cool, slice thick and serve!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, dust your Double Chocolate Banana Bread with powdered sugar, drizzle it with warm chocolate sauce, or add extra chocolate chips on top. Even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving makes the chocolate flavors sing.

Side Dishes

Pair a hearty slice with a steaming mug of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or fresh berries to lighten up the experience. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this bread into a quick dessert worthy of any dinner party.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and toasting lightly—spread with peanut butter or cream cheese for a decadent snack. Mini loaves or muffins are perfect for sharing or gifting, and turning slices into French toast makes the most memorable brunch centerpiece ever.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Double Chocolate Banana Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The banana and sour cream keep it moist and dreamy for days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf by wrapping thoroughly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When chocolate cravings strike, let a slice thaw at room temperature or give it a quick toast for a warm treat.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, heat slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven until the chocolate chips get gloriously gooey again. This quick step will make your Double Chocolate Banana Bread taste bakery-fresh every time.

FAQs

Can I make Double Chocolate Banana Bread without eggs?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), or use a favorite egg replacer. This keeps your loaf tender and beautifully moist.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better—think fully spotted or even mostly brown bananas. Overripe bananas add intense sweetness and blend perfectly into the batter for a velvety texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat for a heartier, nuttier loaf. Just keep in mind the crumb will be slightly denser, but still very tender if you don’t overmix.

What’s the best way to melt butter for this recipe?

Melt butter gently in the microwave in short 10-second bursts, or on the stovetop over low heat. Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.

Is it possible to make Double Chocolate Banana Bread vegan?

Yes—use coconut oil or vegan butter, swap eggs for flax eggs, and use a plant-based yogurt for the sour cream. Be sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan loaf bursting with chocolatey goodness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to treat yourself or simply want to impress your friends and family, Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a must-bake. Try it once, and you might never go back to plain banana bread again—the extra chocolatey twist makes every bite unforgettable!

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