Go Back

Dark Chocolate Banana Bread - Moist, Rich, and Easy

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or light olive oil)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but recommended)
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (60–70%)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps for texture.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: Add eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and glossy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In the same bowl, sprinkle in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder. Stir gently with a spatula just until no dry streaks remain.
  5. Fold in chocolate (and nuts): Stir in dark chocolate chips and nuts, if using. Do not overmix.
  6. Fill the pan: Scrape batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you like.
  7. Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (melted chocolate on the stick is okay).
  8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve: Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Serve slightly warm for melty chocolate.