In the banana bread series, I ask for the double chocolate banana bread with its extra moist and tasty texture that could easily dethrone the classic chocolate chip banana bread recipe.
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This moist chocolate banana bread recipe is definitely my best banana bread recipe ever, especially for all banana and chocolate lovers.
We already love so much the traditional banana bread recipe, even more when we add chocolate chips, but then this all-chocolate version is the best we could do in banana bread.
This moist banana bread is just insanely good and irresistible, with its tender texture and that banana flavor with a rich chocolate flavor brought by natural cocoa powder and extra dark chocolate chips on top.
This recipe is very easy and quick to make, just like my version of banana chocolate muffins, this cake is perfect for breakfast with a bit of peanut butter or almond butter, for snacking, and even for special occasions.
Why you'll love this recipe
Craving for more banana recipes? Give these a try: Chocolate banana muffins, Healthy banana oatmeal muffins, Banana bread muffins, Banana bread cookies
Ingredient You Need
You need these ingredients to make this cocoa banana bread recipe:
- Banana: Use the right amount of bananas, preferably brown bananas, or if your bananas are not ripe enough then put them in the microwave or oven for a few moments to soften them a bit.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been softened at room temperature or melted butter and cooled down a bit.
- Sugar: I only use granulated sugar in this recipe but you can make a mixture of white and brown sugar or light brown sugar.
- Eggs: At room temperature
- Buttermilk: The acidity of the buttermilk brings an ultra-soft texture to the cake, you can replace it with milk, greek yogurt, or sour cream.
- Flour: Wheat all-purpose flour or for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour like almond flour or oat flour.
- Cocoa powder: Use regular unsweetened cocoa powder or if you have it, dutch process cocoa powder.
- Raising agents: A combination of baking powder and baking soda, you can just use baking powder.
- Vanilla extract and Salt: Indispensable to enhance all the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Use mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks from a dark chocolate bar.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that full recipe instructions with exact ingredients can be found in the recipe card below!
Step 1: Place the chopped ripe bananas in a medium bowl. Using a potato masher or a fork, crush the bananas until you obtain a banana puree with a few pieces left.
Step 2: Then place the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer at medium speed for about 3 minutes to obtain a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Then add the eggs and vanilla and beat again for 1 minute to incorporate them.
Step 4: Add the mashed bananas and the buttermilk to the mixture and incorporate them with the mixer.
Step 5: Finish by adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, flour, cocoa powder baking powder baking soda, and salt. Mix this time with a spatula until the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Then add half the chocolate chips to the batter and mix gently with a rubber spatula to incorporate them.
Step 7: Preheat oven to 350 F / 180°C and prepare a 10-inch loaf pan (25 cm) with parchment paper or grease with butter for easy unmoulding.
Step 8: Then pour batter into prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the cake. Bake the chocolate banana bread in the oven for about 50 - 60 minutes until puffed up on top.
Let cool: Let the chocolate banana bread cool completely in the pan before removing from the pan and placing on a cooling rack or in a serving plate.
Enjoy! Cut the chocolate cake into slices and serve slightly warm or cold.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with Butter: Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter for a simple, delicious treat.
- With Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an indulgent dessert.
- Ice Cream: Serve a toasted slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent combination.
- Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to add a refreshing contrast.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond, peanut, or hazelnut butter on a slice for added protein and richness.
- Yogurt and Honey: Top with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a tangy and sweet breakfast option.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for this recipe
Storage Instructions
At room temperature: This chocolate banana bread is very moist, it can be stored up to 3 - 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and to keep its soft texture.
But the best thing to do since it contains a lot of bananas is to keep it cold in a refrigerator covered with plastic wrap and you can keep it even longer, up to 1 week.
How to freeze? Store your banana bread in the freezer for up to 3 months, cut it into pieces and place them in plastic storage bags or a storage box.
All you have to do is take out your banana bread slices and let them slowly come to room temperature.
Variations & Substitutions
Recipe Questions
How do I keep my banana bread moist?
To keep your double chocolate banana bread moist, use very ripe bananas and avoid overmixing the batter. Adding ingredients like yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk can also help retain moisture.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make great additions for extra crunch and flavor. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the batter.
How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
To intensify the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. This won't make the bread taste like coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate notes.
More Bread Recipes
I hope you love this chocolate banana cake recipe. If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Happy Baking!
PrintDouble chocolate banana bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
Super soft and moist double chocolate banana bread recipe with chocolate chips and cocoa powder (for a 10 inch loaf pan (25 cm))
Ingredients
- 115 g (1 stick) Butter unsalted and softened
- 120 g (⅔ cup) Sugar - granulated or brown sugar
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 3 Bananas - ripe about 360g
- 120 g (½ cup) Buttermilk - or milk, sour cream, greek yogurt
- 180 g (1 ½ cups) Flour - all purpose
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 40 g (½ cup) Cocoa powder - unsweetened
- 140 g (¾ cup) Chocolate chips - semi-sweet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and line a 10-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with butter for easy removal from the pan.
- Place the chopped ripe bananas in a bowl and crush them with a fork until they are mashed.
- In a large bowl, place the softened butter with the sugar and mix with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk and mix again to incorporate.
- Then add the dry ingredients, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and ¾ of the chocolate chips
- Gently mix with a spatula until you have a smooth and homogeneous batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan lined with parchment paper.
- Pour the remaining chocolate chips on top of the bread.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
- After 50 minutes check the cooking with a toothpick inserted into the center until it comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it from the pan and cutting it into slices.
Notes
Storage: 5 days at room temperature, 1 week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: muffins, cake, breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 20.8 g
- Sodium: 174.9 mg
- Fat: 12.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.7 g
- Protein: 4.8 g
- Cholesterol: 52.7 mg
LadyMilonguera
I’d gladly take a slice...
Megane
This chocolate banana cake is absolutely amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic recipe. I can't wait for tomorrow morning to enjoy a slice for breakfast!
Perrine
Very airy, a delight! I didn't mash the bananas but instead sautéed them in 1 cm slices with a bit of butter, let them cool, and then folded them into the batter.
Isabel
Great cake!... Once again! Thanks for these awesome ideas. Just one small thing, I didn't see in the recipe instructions where to add the mashed banana... I ended up adding it at the end with the dry ingredients and mixed well... the result is fantastic! I also added, because I love them, some crushed pistachios along with the last bits of chocolate chips...