Rich Chocolate Banana Bread

Name: Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Savor the delightful combination of chocolate and banana in this Rich Chocolate Banana Bread recipe. Moist, decadent, and incredibly easy to make, this treat is perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. With luscious chocolate swirls and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, it’s a wholesome and indulgent baked good everyone will love.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2025-12-11T09:14:13.735Z

This recipe for Rich Chocolate Banana Bread was developed in my home kitchen, where delicious aromas and happy memories blend together. Each bite brings a smile, making it a favorite among family and friends!

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread perfectly marries the sweetness of ripe bananas with the deep flavors of cocoa. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, where the natural goodness of bananas enhances the chocolate rather than overshadowing it. This unique balance makes the bread an enjoyable treat for everyone, whether you are a chocolate lover or a fan of fruity baked goods. It’s a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas while indulging in a delicious dessert.

Moreover, the addition of chocolate chips creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. As they bake, the chocolate chips become gooey, complementing the moist texture of the bread. This combination results in a mouthwatering loaf that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this chocolate banana bread never fails to delight.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the greatest aspects of this Rich Chocolate Banana Bread is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you want to make it more decadent, consider adding more chocolate chips or even swirling in chocolate fudge. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use less sugar. The options are endless, allowing you to create a loaf that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.

Additionally, you can add various nuts or dried fruits to the batter. Chopped walnuts provide a lovely crunch, while dried cherries or dates can introduce a different flavor profile. Experimenting with these add-ins can make each loaf a unique creation, keeping your baking experience fresh and exciting.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
2 large eggs
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Combine all the ingredients as instructed in the steps below.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Combine All Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Enjoy your freshly baked Rich Chocolate Banana Bread!

Storing Your Banana Bread

To keep your Rich Chocolate Banana Bread fresh and delicious, it’s important to store it properly. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture and keep the bread from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days, but if you want it to last longer, consider refrigerating it. In the refrigerator, it can stay fresh for about a week.

For even longer storage, freeze your banana bread. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable plastic bag. This way, you can easily take out a slice whenever you crave a treat. The bread freezes well for up to three months; simply let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

Rich Chocolate Banana Bread is delightful on its own, but it can be enhanced with a few simple serving suggestions. Try serving slices warm with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese for extra richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate it to a decadent dessert, perfect for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.

Additionally, consider pairing your chocolate banana bread with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. The flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a balanced tasting experience. Whether enjoyed as part of breakfast or as a sweet snack, these pairings will make your banana bread even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great in this recipe.

→ How can I store leftover banana bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.