Banana bread always feels like a warm hug from the oven. This version, rich with chocolate, is the kind of treat I make when I want comfort without fuss. The sweetness of ripe bananas meets deep cocoa, creating a loaf that feels indulgent yet familiar. Every slice is soft, moist, and has that nostalgic banana bread aroma, but with a little upgrade thanks to the chocolate. I remember pulling this loaf out of the oven one rainy afternoon, the smell filling the kitchen and making me smile before I even had a bite. That first warm slice reminded me why I always keep bananas around, just waiting for their moment to shine. If you’ve ever searched for a rich banana bread recipe or a chocolate banana bread recipe that balances flavor and simplicity, this one checks all the boxes. It’s one of those banana bread recipes that can be made on a lazy Sunday or as a quick pick-me-up during the week. Recipes banana bread often promise comfort, and this banana bread delivers. For anyone who loves banana recipes, this loaf is a must-bake.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- 4) How to Make Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- 5) Tips for Making Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- 6) Making Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- 8) Try these Dessert recipes next!
- 9) Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This banana dessert recipe combines ripe bananas and chocolate into a soft and flavorful bread.
- It’s easy to make with common pantry staples and perfect for sharing.
- You can bake it ahead of time, and it stores well for several days.
- The recipe works as breakfast, snack, or sweet treat after dinner.
2) Easy Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
I love a recipe that doesn’t ask me to fuss. This one is as easy as stirring together bananas, cocoa, and a handful of other kitchen basics. The smell that fills the house while it bakes is enough to make me peek into the oven more times than I should. I bet you’ll find yourself doing the same.
The beauty of banana dessert recipes like this is their simplicity. No need for fancy tools or a culinary degree. You just mash, mix, and bake. The bananas give the bread natural sweetness, and the cocoa deepens the flavor into something more indulgent.
It’s a chocolate banana bread recipe that feels both cozy and a little indulgent. I often slice it warm and let the chocolate chips melt into tiny puddles. If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that feels forgiving yet rewarding, this is it.
3) Ingredients for Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Bananas: Use three medium ripe bananas. The darker the peel, the better the flavor. They mash easily and bring out the sweetness we love in banana bread recipes.
Butter: Melt half a cup of unsalted butter. It adds richness and keeps the crumb tender. If you only have salted butter, skip the extra salt in the recipe.
Sugar: Three quarters of a cup of brown sugar works well here. It adds a deeper caramel note compared to white sugar and keeps the bread moist.
Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together. They also give the loaf structure and keep it from being too dense.
Vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract softens the flavors and rounds out the sweetness. It’s a small ingredient that makes a big difference.
Flour: One cup of all purpose flour holds the loaf together without making it heavy. It’s a classic choice for recipes banana bread lovers swear by.
Cocoa: Half a cup of cocoa powder turns this into a chocolate banana bread recipe. Choose unsweetened cocoa for a balanced flavor.
Baking Soda: One teaspoon helps the loaf rise properly and prevents it from being too dense. It pairs well with the acidity of bananas.
Salt: A pinch, or about a quarter teaspoon, sharpens the flavors. It keeps the sweetness in check.
Chocolate Chips: Half a cup of chocolate chips scattered through the batter gives bursts of sweetness. They also look tempting in each slice.
4) How to Make Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
Step 2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until combined. The mixture should smell sweet and slightly nutty from the butter.
Step 3. In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Keep the mixture light by not pressing down while you whisk.
Step 4. Combine the dry mix with the banana mixture. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix or the loaf can turn tough.
Step 5. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners.
Step 6. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center. A few crumbs clinging to it means the bread is ready.
Step 7. Cool the loaf in the pan for ten minutes, then move it to a rack. Letting it cool fully helps slices hold together.
5) Tips for Making Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
I’ve learned that ripe bananas are the secret to flavor. If yours aren’t quite ready, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes until the skins darken. It works every time.
Don’t skimp on the chocolate chips. I once tried to cut back, thinking it wouldn’t matter. Let’s just say I regretted it by the second slice. This bread deserves that extra richness.
If the loaf starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. It saves the crust from turning bitter and keeps the inside soft.
6) Making Rich Chocolate Banana Bread Ahead of Time
This bread is perfect for planning ahead. I often bake a loaf on Sunday and enjoy it through the week. The flavor deepens each day, making it taste even better by midweek.
When I know guests are coming, I slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces. They thaw quickly and taste like they just came out of the oven. It’s one of my favorite tricks.
You can also prepare the batter in advance and keep it in the fridge overnight. The next day, just bake as usual and enjoy the fresh smell filling your home.
7) Storing Leftover Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
I like to wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Stored on the counter, it stays fresh for up to four days. The key is to keep air out, so the bread doesn’t dry.
If you want it to last longer, store slices in the freezer. They stay good for up to three months. Just reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick treat.
Sometimes I even crumble leftover slices into yogurt or ice cream. It turns a plain snack into something more indulgent. Banana recipes like this are versatile that way.
8) Try these Dessert recipes next!
9) Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Banana Dessert Recipes Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, then pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice, Calories: 245, Sugar: 19 g, Sodium: 200 mg, Fat: 11 g, Saturated Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 4 g, Cholesterol: 40 mg
Written by Kathy from Simply Cooked Recipes
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