Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is incredibly moist, rich, and packed with chocolate flavor. Made with Dutch cocoa powder and chocolate chips, it’s a perfect combination of banana sweetness and deep chocolatey goodness. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this banana bread will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Plus, it stays moist for up to four days!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  3. Add melted butter, egg, both sugars, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Gently mix until almost combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approx. 10 Slices)

  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 29mg
  • Sodium: 275mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 29g
  • Calcium: 43mg
  • Iron: 1mg

Enjoy this indulgent, chocolate-packed banana bread for any occasion! 🍫🍌

Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This banana bread isn’t just a typical chocolate-flavored quick bread—it is designed to maximize moisture, flavor, and chocolate intensity. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

  • Rich and Moist Texture: The combination of mashed bananas, Greek yogurt, and melted butter ensures a perfectly moist crumb that remains soft for days.
  • Deep Chocolate Flavor: The use of Dutch process cocoa powder provides a richer, smoother chocolate taste compared to regular cocoa powder.
  • Double the Chocolate Goodness: Not only does it include cocoa powder for a rich base, but it also contains a generous amount of chocolate chips, creating pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
  • Versatile: You can enjoy this banana bread as is, serve it warm with butter, or even dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a special occasion.
  • Great for Using Overripe Bananas: If you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is an excellent way to use them before they go to waste.

The Secret to Extra Moist Banana Bread

Moisture is key when it comes to banana bread, and this recipe ensures the perfect level of softness with a few special ingredients. Here’s why this banana bread stays so moist:

  • Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas naturally add moisture and sweetness, making them an essential component of the bread.
  • Greek Yogurt: This ingredient not only adds richness but also helps keep the bread tender while providing a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
  • Butter vs. Oil: While some banana bread recipes use oil, melted butter is used in this recipe for a more flavorful and rich texture.

The Role of Dutch Process Cocoa Powder

One of the key ingredients in this double chocolate banana bread is Dutch process cocoa powder. Unlike natural cocoa powder, which is acidic and has a slightly bitter taste, Dutch process cocoa powder is treated with an alkalizing agent to neutralize its acidity. This results in a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor with a darker color. Using Dutch process cocoa makes this banana bread taste even more indulgent and luxurious.

Tips for the Best Double Chocolate Banana Bread

To ensure that your banana bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these baking tips in mind:

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even fully browned skins.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing too much flour, which can result in a dry texture.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough banana bread. Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
  • Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also mix in different types of chocolate for variety.
  • Add Extra Chocolate Chips on Top: Sprinkling additional chocolate chips on top before baking not only makes the bread look appealing but also adds extra bursts of chocolate in each slice.
  • Check for Doneness Properly: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
  • Cool Before Slicing: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from falling apart when slicing.

Customization and Variations

While this recipe is already delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

  • Make it Healthier: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. You can also use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
  • Go Nutty: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Extra Flavor Boost: A teaspoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor even more.
  • Vegan Option: Use dairy-free yogurt, plant-based butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to make it vegan.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How to Store and Keep Your Banana Bread Fresh

This banana bread stays fresh and moist for several days if stored properly. Here’s how to keep it at its best:

  • At Room Temperature: Store the banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate the banana bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Warm it up before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This double chocolate banana bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

  • Enjoy a slice warm with a pat of butter for a cozy breakfast.
  • Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a delightful afternoon snack.
  • Dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a dessert-worthy treat.
  • Toast a slice and spread peanut butter or Nutella for an extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves chocolate and banana flavors together. With its rich, moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and irresistible chocolate chips in every bite, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to use up ripe bananas, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any time of the day, this banana bread is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it again and again!

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