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- 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3/4 cup brown sugar - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cocoa powder - 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make double chocolate banana bread, gather these ingredients first. Ripe bananas are key to a sweet and moist bread. Use bananas that are brown and soft. The butter must be unsalted and melted for a rich flavor. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla extract gives a warm taste. Baking soda helps the bread rise. Salt balances the sweetness. All-purpose flour makes the bread fluffy. Cocoa powder gives the chocolate flavor. Chocolate chips add extra sweetness and texture. Walnuts or pecans are optional but add a nice crunch. Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re set to create a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Loaf Pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the bread bake evenly. Next, grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Use butter or cooking spray to coat it well. This step keeps the bread from sticking. Mixing the Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, mash three ripe bananas. Use a fork for easy mashing. Add 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter to the bananas. Mix them until smooth. Next, stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Then, add one large beaten egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these well until everything is combined. Combining Dry Ingredients Sprinkle one teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the wet mixture. Mix this in gently. Now, take 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Fold these into the wet mix. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no dry flour. Pouring the Batter Once your batter is ready, add 1 cup of chocolate chips. If you like, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Fold them in gently. Now, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly for even baking. Baking Time and Doneness Test Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 60-65 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has batter on it, give it a few more minutes. Cooling Instructions After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps it set. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it's cool, you can slice and enjoy. Recommended Ripe Banana Characteristics Use bananas that are very ripe. Look for bananas with brown spots. These spots show that the bananas are sweet and soft. Soft bananas mix well into the batter. This helps create a moist bread. Importance of Not Overmixing Mix the batter gently. Overmixing can make the bread tough. When you add flour, just fold it in until you see no more dry flour. This ensures a soft and tender bread. Types of Chocolate to Use Choose high-quality chocolate chips. You can use milk or dark chocolate chips. Each type gives a different taste. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while milk chocolate is sweet and creamy. Optional Add-ins for More Flavor You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans. These add a nice crunch. Consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to boost the chocolate flavor. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a new twist. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best taste. Don’t Overmix the Batter: To ensure a tender loaf, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your bread by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture. Proper Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy. This will help maintain its perfect texture. {{image_2}} You can add nuts to your double chocolate banana bread for extra crunch. Walnuts and pecans are both great choices. - Walnuts vs. Pecans: Walnuts have a rich, earthy taste. They bring a nice contrast to the chocolate. Pecans, on the other hand, have a sweet, buttery flavor. They add a different texture but also taste great. - How to Add Flavor with Nuts: To boost the nutty flavor, toast them lightly in a pan before adding. This brings out the oils and enhances the taste. Just chop them and fold them into the batter before baking. You can easily switch up the flavor of your banana bread with a few fun additions. - Adding Peanut Butter Swirls: Swirling in peanut butter gives the bread a creamy, nutty twist. Just drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top of the batter. Then, use a knife to swirl it gently. Don’t mix it too much; you want to see the swirls! - Using Different Types of Cocoa Powder: Try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder. This will make your banana bread richer and more chocolatey. You can even mix in flavored cocoa powders, like mint or raspberry, for a unique taste. To keep your double chocolate banana bread fresh, use the right method. For short-term storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture inside and prevents it from drying out. Place it in an airtight container or a resealable bag for extra protection. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. Your banana bread can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy your banana bread again, reheating is easy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes. Check it often to avoid drying out. You can also reheat slices in the microwave. Just place a slice on a plate and heat for 15-20 seconds. If you want it warm and soft, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the moisture in while it heats. Enjoy your delicious bread warm! Can I use frozen bananas? Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. This will help them mash easily. Frozen bananas often taste sweeter and add moisture. What can I substitute for cocoa powder? You can use carob powder instead. It has a different flavor but gives a nice taste. If you want a lighter color, use dark chocolate instead. How do I know when my banana bread is done? Check with a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it's ready. If there is wet batter, bake a bit longer. Can I make this recipe as muffins? Yes, you can make muffins! Just fill muffin cups with the batter. Bake for about 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. How to adapt for gluten-free diets? To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend works for baking. Add a little xanthan gum if needed for better texture. In this post, I shared how to make delicious double chocolate banana bread. We covered the simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your bread. Remember to choose ripe bananas and avoid overmixing for the best texture. You can also add nuts or even peanut butter swirls for a twist. Storing your bread properly ensures it stays fresh, and reheating techniques help maintain moisture. Enjoy creating your tasty treat, and don’t hesitate to experiment with variations!

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

A rich and moist banana bread infused with double chocolate goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pieces ripe bananas, mashed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter, mixing until smooth.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then mix well.
  • Gently fold in the flour and cocoa powder until just combined (do not overmix).
  • Add the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) and carefully fold them into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your decadent double chocolate banana bread!

Notes

For an extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Keyword banana bread, chocolate, dessert