Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic treat, this Chocolate Banana Bread is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and melty chocolate chips, this bread feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s irresistible, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a cozy dessert. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Banana Bread, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite recipes to bake and share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make a loaf bursting with flavor and the perfect texture. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that soft crumb, deep chocolate taste, and subtle nutty undertones.

• 3 medium ripe bananas: These add natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the bread wonderfully soft.
• 2 large eggs: They provide structure and help hold everything together.
• ¼ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed): Adds richness and a subtle nuttiness while boosting the protein content.
• ⅓ cup granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar): Enhances the sweetness while balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• ⅙ tsp sea salt: Elevates all the flavors, especially the chocolate notes.
• 1 ½ cups oat flour (or preferred flour): Creates the perfect tender crumb and adds a mild, nutty taste.
• ½ cup cocoa powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor and that dark color.
• 2 tsp baking powder: Ensures your bread rises beautifully and stays light.
• ¼ cup chocolate chips: Little pockets of gooey chocolate that make every bite delightful.
• Optional – ½ cup protein powder: Replace half the flour here for a high-protein option that keeps the bread hearty and nutritious.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (about 7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well with oil to prevent sticking. This simple prep ensures your loaf bakes evenly and comes out cleanly.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until completely smooth using a fork. Then stir in the nut butter and eggs until the mixture looks uniform and creamy. The bananas make the bread moist, while the nut butter adds richness you won’t want to skip!

Step 3: Add Sweetener, Vanilla, and Salt

Add your chosen sweetener along with vanilla extract and sea salt. Whisk or stir this wet mixture for about two minutes until everything blends perfectly. This step really brings out the sweet and aromatic notes essential for a standout Chocolate Banana Bread.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips

Stir in the oat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix everything until the batter is well combined but be careful not to overmix—just enough to blend the ingredients. Finally, fold in those irresistible chocolate chips, saving a handful to sprinkle on top if you like.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and top with extra chocolate chips if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, checking with a toothpick toward the end. When inserted into the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This means your Chocolate Banana Bread is perfectly cooked and ready to cool.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Let the bread cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling lets it set nicely, so your slices hold their shape and taste even better.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread

Garnishes

Adding a few garnishes can elevate your Chocolate Banana Bread presentation and flavor even further. Try a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple touch, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for an added crunch. A drizzle of nut butter or melted chocolate on each slice also makes for a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

Since the bread is sweet and rich, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the flavors. A cup of hot coffee, tea, or even cold milk complements the bread perfectly to round out a satisfying snack or breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like jazzing it up? Serve thick slices of this Chocolate Banana Bread topped with whipped cream and sliced bananas for an indulgent dessert version. You could also toast slices lightly and spread a bit of almond butter and honey for a warm, cozy treat that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it soft and delicious without drying out. If you want it to last a little longer, refrigeration is also fine—just remember to let it come back to room temperature or warm slightly before eating.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a slice, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To get that fresh-baked taste back, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly. This brings out the chocolate notes and softens the bread just enough to enjoy it like it’s straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you absolutely can swap oat flour for all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. The texture might be a little different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best natural sweetness and moisture, choose bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper, the better—they’ll mash easily and add so much flavor to your bread.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries mix in beautifully. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for a high-protein diet?

Yes! By replacing half a cup of flour with protein powder, you can boost the protein content without sacrificing taste or texture. Just make sure to use a protein powder you like the flavor of.

What can I use instead of nut butter?

If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works great here and still adds that creamy richness to the batter.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Chocolate Banana Bread is one of those magical recipes everyone should have up their sleeve. It’s incredibly simple, incredibly satisfying, and carries a wonderful mix of flavors that will brighten any day. Don’t wait—grab your ripe bananas, whip up this batter, and enjoy a slice (or two) fresh from the oven. Your taste buds will thank you!

Print