It Starts With A Simple Recipe

It’s funny how some of the simplest recipes can become the most cherished. For my family, Double Chocolate Banana Bread isn’t just a baked treat; it’s a symbol of home. I remember one particularly chaotic week. Deadlines loomed, the kids had endless activities, and I felt like I was running on fumes. That’s when my youngest, Lily, asked if we could bake something together.

She specifically requested Double Chocolate Banana Bread. There was something so comforting about the idea of mashing ripe bananas, the rich scent of cocoa filling our kitchen, and the promise of warm, gooey Double Chocolate Banana Bread. It was a small moment, but it recentered me.

I learned that day that the best recipes aren’t always the most complex, but the ones that bring us together. I find that authentic flavors always create those types of connections. This Double Chocolate Banana Bread has become our go-to for chilly evenings, weekend brunches, and even a little pick-me-up on those extra-long days.

I’m excited to share this Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe with you—it’s perfect for fellow home cooks seeking genuine, flavorful meals that create those special moments. It has become a family favorite! This chocolate banana bread recipe will leave you wanting more.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful delight. Trust me, this Double Chocolate Banana Bread ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!

3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the better! They’ll add sweetness and moisture.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the chocolate.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors. You’ll find the freshest ingredients for this Double Chocolate Banana Bread at your local farmer’s market!
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the base for our bread.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that deep chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1 cup chocolate chips: I prefer dark chocolate for an extra intense flavor, and it creates a dark chocolate banana bread.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Bread arranged on a marble surface

For the best flavor in your Double Chocolate Banana Bread, I recommend sourcing high-quality cocoa powder. It makes a world of difference! My family loves when I add a handful of chopped walnuts to our Double Chocolate Banana Bread. It adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor! This Double Chocolate Banana Bread proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices. If you love this recipe check out these zucchini chocolate chip cookies.

Let’s Create This Together!

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this decadent bread.

Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick.
Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. This is where the magic begins! Ripe bananas are key.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter and sugar to the mashed bananas. Mix until well combined. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In my kitchen, this flavorful Double Chocolate Banana Bread typically takes about an hour to bake.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. I also recommend checking out this Protein Banana Bread for more great banana bread recipes.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Don’t be surprised if your Double Chocolate Banana Bread batter looks incredibly tempting at this point!
Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. While your Double Chocolate Banana Bread is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family! Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Double Chocolate Banana Bread – learn from my experience!

How We Love to Enjoy This!

There are so many ways to savor this Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

My family enjoys this flavorful Double Chocolate Banana Bread warm, with a pat of butter. It’s simple, but incredibly satisfying. For a more decadent treat, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bread and cold ice cream is heavenly! We often serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. The warm drink complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Double Chocolate Banana Bread appears with whipped cream.

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! It’s also great for breakfast or brunch. Add a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

If you have any leftover bread, it makes fantastic French toast. Just slice it up, dip it in an egg mixture, and cook it in a pan until golden brown.

For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter during the fall. This gives it a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the cooler months. Guests always rave about this easy double chocolate banana bread. This Double Chocolate Banana Bread reminds me of another family favorite, Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about this recipe.

Does this Double Chocolate Banana Bread really satisfy hearty appetites? Absolutely! The combination of banana and chocolate makes it quite filling. My teenage son, who has a huge appetite, always asks for a second slice!
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Double Chocolate Banana Bread? You can reduce the amount of cocoa powder or use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. This will mellow out the chocolate flavor.
How can I prepare this Double Chocolate Banana Bread ahead for busy weeks? You can bake it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Or, freeze it for longer storage. It thaws beautifully!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a blend that’s designed for baking.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content? Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. The banana’s natural sweetness will still provide plenty of flavor. I found this helpful from Double Chocolate Banana Bread (Moist For Days!) – Sally’s Baking.
What’s the best way to store this bread to keep it moist? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container can also help maintain moisture.
Can I add nuts to the recipe? Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition. Just fold them into the batter along with the chocolate chips. This moist double chocolate banana bread will be loved by all. Double Chocolate Banana Bread – What’s Gaby Cooking is a great resource with more nut recommendations!

Final Kitchen Wisdom

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a way to create moments of joy and connection with your family. It supports our family’s goals of simple, nourishing meals.

My Double Chocolate Banana Bread Flavor Secrets:

Ripe Bananas are Key: Don’t underestimate the power of truly ripe bananas. They provide the perfect sweetness and moisture.
Quality Chocolate Matters: Using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips makes a world of difference.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.

Here are a few family-tested Double Chocolate Banana Bread variations:

Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a bit of peanut butter for a delicious twist.
Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for an extra kick.
Orange Zest: Add orange zest for a subtle citrus flavor.

My son loves the peanut butter swirl, while my daughter prefers the classic Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe. I hope you’ll make this recipe your own, adapting it to your family’s unique taste preferences.

I hope you and your family enjoy this Double Chocolate Banana Bread as much as we do. Enjoy cooking up this Double Chocolate Banana Bread!

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Print Recipe

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is moist, decadent, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor. Ripe bananas and cocoa powder create a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence in every slice.

Author: Savannah Rose
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips, divided

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Add the mashed bananas and milk to the wet ingredients and mix well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or add a tablespoon of coffee granules to the batter. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.