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Decadent Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

This Decadent Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or it makes the perfect accompaniment to a cup of soup for dinner.

Two slices of dark chocolate banana bread on a plate with coffee

When you’re looking for something that’s just a little sweet this Decadent Dark Chocolate Banana Bread fits the bill. The deep chocolate richness and the sweet banana flavors definitely shine through.

top view of a loaf of dark chocolate bread

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What is “Quick Bread”

I love making quick breads. When I say quick bread I mean bread that doesn’t use yeast or needs time to rise before baking.

Quick bread usually has a soft moist interior but a denser crumb than what is usually found in a cake. 

Quick bread is easy to make and there are so many varieties so there is at least one that works with whatever you’re going for.

They don’t have to be sweet either. 

3 slices on dark chocolate banana bread on a wooden cutting board

Back to the bread! Some flavors just go together. Depending on where you are from may determine what combinations appeal to you. Elvis Presley liked fried peanut butter banana bacon sandwiches. That isn’t high on my list. This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is though. I don’t know if it’s because I could put chocolate on anything, but this bread is delicious!

View of top of two slices of chocolate banana bread

You don’t have to use dark chocolate to make this bread but in my opinion, it adds a rich chocolate flavor without being too sweet.

Serving suggestions

When I make a savory or spicy dish I like to pair it with a sweeter one. Here are some great recipes to serve with this decadent banana bread.

Bite of chocolate banana bread on a forkDon’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!

This bread is tender and delicious and if you keep it covered in an airtight container, it will retain its soft texture and flavor for up to a week. It also freezes really well. Just wrap it in plastic and then foil.

Items we used to make this chocolate bread recipe

  • Loaf pan – I find that both halves of the squash will usually fit in a loaf pan. I like that these pans are a little bit bigger. I use them for meatloaf and bread recipes too!
  • Cooling rack – I love these large racks. I can get an entire batch of cookies on one and they’re tough enough to hold large loaves of bread. It fits into my half-sheet pan for baking bacon too!

We LOVE baking bread! You can find all of our bread recipes here!

If you like this recipe here are a few more you may enjoy

I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.

Two slices of chocolate banana bread showing melted chocolate chips in the crumb on a floral plate over a blue napkin. A cup of espresso sits behind it with a pad of butter in a small white dish with a knife next to it.

Decadent Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

Author: Julie Menghini
This Decadent Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or it makes the perfect accompaniment to a cup of soup for dinner.
5 from 13 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Bread, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword: Chocolate Banana Bread
Servings: 16 (1 loaf)

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1.75 cup all-purpose flour I used unbleached
  • 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder can substitute any cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp espresso powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt I used kosher
  • 1 cup bananas mashed (2 bananas)
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk see notes
  • 1 cup chocolate chips you can add any variety. I used dark.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 °F. Spray or grease 1 loaf pan with the non-stick method of your choice.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer combine mashed bananas, buttermilk, sugar, salt, vanilla, and espresso powder.  Blend together until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time and mix until completely blended.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, sift flours, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa together.
  • Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.  Mix until just combined.  Stir in chocolate chips and mix just until combined.
  • Pour into the prepared bread pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Remove from pan and allow to cool on a cooling rack for 5 minutes and then remove muffins from pan to prevent continued cooking.

Notes

To make your own buttermilk you can add vinegar or lemon juice to milk.  To make 1/2 cup buttermilk combine 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.  Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes and then add to your recipe.
*I like to add salt to the liquid ingredients.  It blends and you are less likely to get a salty bite in your finished baked goods.

Nutrition

Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 139mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 1.3mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1.3mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

What is your favorite quick bread? Please share in the comments below. You give me inspiration!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!

An image for pinterest of slices of dark chocolate banana bread dotted with chocolate chips and the whole loaf
5 from 13 votes
Recipe Rating




Jennifer Stewart

Wednesday 5th of December 2018

I think banana bread is my spirit animal but this chocolate banana bread really makes my heart swoon!

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 5th of December 2018

That's hilarious! Maybe my spirit animal is a food too! Thanks Jennifer!

Kylee from Kylee Cooks

Monday 3rd of December 2018

I'm all about this chocolate banana bread. I mean, it has fruit in it, so it is practically breakfast - right?

Julie Menghini

Monday 3rd of December 2018

I love the way you think, Kylee! Thank you!

Michele

Monday 3rd of December 2018

I think chocolate in anything is a great idea and the texture on this looks amazing. I have a bunch of bananas sitting here and its a cold California morning so its a perfect morning to make this to warm up my kitchen!

Julie Menghini

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Thank you, Michele! I made this recipe again this morning and doubled it. One loaf and 18 muffins later and my freezer is holiday ready.

Michaela Kenkel

Monday 3rd of December 2018

That looks absolutely fudgy and delicious!! I have some sad looking bananas on my counter that can't wait to become this awesome bread!

Julie Menghini

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Thank you, Michaela! This is my newest favorite way to put those sad bananas out of their misery! LOL

Madi

Monday 3rd of December 2018

This bread sounds so incredible! I love the combination of chocolate and banana!

Julie Menghini

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Thank you, Madi! I've made them several times and really enjoy them!

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