Name: Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed banana; 2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1/4 cup oil (or milk of choice); 3/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey); 1 3/4 cup flour (white, spelt, oat, or gluten free); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder (or additional unsweetened cocoa powder); 1 tsp baking soda; 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 48 reviews

If you have a soft spot for the cozy comfort of sweet, moist baked goods, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe. Imagine ripe bananas mashed to perfection, blended effortlessly with rich cocoa powders, and sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup. This delightful bread is more than just a treat; it’s a delicious way to enjoy the harmony of chocolate and banana in every tender slice. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe infuses warmth and happiness into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish filled with a single thick layer of dark chocolate cake, topped with many small, shiny dark chocolate chips evenly spread across the surface, giving it a textured look. The dish is placed on an oven rack with a blurred dark background behind it. The cake appears rich and moist with a slightly cracked top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but key ingredients is the first step to crafting your perfect loaf. Each component plays a vital role, from the moistness bananas bring, to the deep chocolate flavor created by two types of cocoa powders, ensuring a balance of richness, sweetness, and texture.

2 cups mashed banana: Naturally sweet and creamy, bananas are the backbone of this bread’s moist texture.
2 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
1 tbsp white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for a light, fluffy crumb.
1/4 cup oil (or milk of choice): Keeps the bread tender; you can customize with your favorite milk for subtle variations.
3/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey): A wholesome sweetness that complements chocolate without overpowering.
1 3/4 cup flour: Provides structure – white, spelt, oat, or gluten-free options all work wonderfully.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The main source of chocolate flavor, rich and slightly bitter.
2 tbsp Dutch cocoa powder (or additional unsweetened cocoa powder): Adds depth and a smoother chocolate profile.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps your bread rise for that perfect airy texture.
3/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate richness.
3/4 tsp baking powder: Supports gradual rising to develop a tender crumb.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Little bursts of melty chocolate add fun texture and extra chocolate louche.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. Getting this step right sets the stage for a perfect bake every time.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, vanilla extract, white vinegar, oil or your chosen milk, and pure maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and harmonious — this wet mix is where your bread’s moistness and flavor foundation form.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together your flour, unsweetened and Dutch cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly fold this dry blend into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is evenly combined. Overmixing can cause a tough bread, so gentle folding keeps the crumb light and tender.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

For an extra chocolatey kick, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips now, or sprinkle some on top before baking. These little pockets of melted chocolate will be a delicious surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the bread rest inside for another 10 minutes. This gradual finishing step allows the bread to set perfectly without drying out.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan. For the best flavor and texture, wait to slice until it’s very loosely covered or refrigerated overnight — patience truly pays off with this recipe.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

A loaf of dark chocolate banana bread is shown on a wooden board. The bread has a thick layer visible inside, filled with many small, glossy dark chocolate chips that are spread evenly throughout the three slices in front. The top of the loaf is fully covered with a dense layer of the same chocolate chips, giving a rough texture. In the bottom right corner, there are three ripe yellow bananas with brown spots resting on a surface with a white marbled texture. A large knife and a beige cloth are seen slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra mini chocolate chips melted atop. For a creamy finish, a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of nut butter pairs incredibly well and takes your serving game up a notch.

Side Dishes

If you want a complete treat, serve your chocolate banana bread with a side of fresh berries or a bowl of yogurt to balance the sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the flavors wonderfully, inviting cozy moments.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your loaf into an elegant dessert by slicing it thick and topping with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce. Alternatively, toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that surprise and delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your chocolate banana bread stays fresh when sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate to help maintain its moisture and freshness.

Freezing

Wrap your cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can last beautifully up to three months this way, perfect for savoring a slice whenever a chocolate craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy warm slices, simply microwave a piece for 15 to 20 seconds or toast it lightly. Reheating brings out that freshly baked magic and the luscious melt of chocolate chips.

FAQs

Can I use other types of flour for this Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite versatile. White, spelt, oat, or even gluten-free flours work great. Just be aware that some flours absorb moisture differently, so you might need to adjust baking times slightly.

Do I have to add chocolate chips?

No, they are completely optional. The cocoa powders provide plenty of chocolate flavor, but if you love melty bites of chocolate, mini chips are a fun addition.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better. Bananas with brown spots or fully brown skins bring maximum sweetness and moisture, essential for that perfect texture.

Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?

Yes, honey is a fine substitute and adds a lovely floral undertone. Just use the same quantity and enjoy your wholesome sweetener of choice.

Why does the recipe call for vinegar?

The vinegar reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which helps the bread rise and creates that light, fluffy crumb we all love in quick breads.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is a true kitchen superstar that brings together the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and sweet banana. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this loaf promises joy in every tender, chocolaty slice. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab those ripe bananas and get baking today, because moments like these are meant to be shared and savored.