If you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Its rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor blend perfectly with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas to create a loaf that stays moist for days. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a midday snack, or a simple dessert, this chocolate banana bread manages to be both indulgent and wholesome in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A loaf of dark chocolate bread with a slightly cracked top is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The loaf is partially sliced, showing three thick pieces placed one on top of the other in front of the main loaf. The texture of the bread inside looks soft and dense with a rich dark brown color, while the crust is slightly rough with deeper cracks down the middle. Next to the bread on the right side is a serrated knife with a black handle resting on the plate. The whole scene is well-lit, highlighting the deep brown shades of the bread and the shiny blade of the knife. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to this recipe’s magic. Each component plays an essential role, from the cocoa powder lending that intense chocolate punch to the mashed bananas keeping the bread delectably moist and tender.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy foundation for your bread’s structure while keeping it soft inside.
½ cup cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely and gives it a light crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
3 large ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed): Adds natural sweetness and moistness that keeps the bread from drying out.
¼ cup salted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the loaf.
⅓ cup applesauce or your favorite cooking oil: Keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering.
¾ cup packed light brown sugar: Infuses the bread with a caramel-like sweetness and moist texture.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, fragrant notes.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the finished bread out. Make sure to grease both the parchment and the pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, which makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your loaf stays intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps your bread rise evenly and prevents pockets of baking soda or cocoa powder from forming.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth—this is where the magic of moisture starts. Stir in the melted butter and applesauce (or oil), mixing until everything is combined. Then add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is velvety and smooth; this is your flavorful, tender base.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; stirring just until combined will ensure a tender crumb without developing the gluten too much, which could make your bread tough. The batter will be thick, fudgy, and full of promise.

Step 5: Assemble the Batter and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven, so start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The smell during baking is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Set

Once baked, let the bread rest in the pan for 30 to 45 minutes. This cooling period helps the bread set properly, making it easier to slice without crumbling. Carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures your Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe stays perfectly moist and sturdy.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

A top view of a large white bowl on a white marbled surface, containing three separate piles of dry ingredients. The largest pile is light beige flour on the bottom left, cracked slightly on top. To the right of the flour is a pile of dark brown cocoa powder with a small circular indentation filled with white baking soda in the center. Above the cocoa powder is a smaller heap of white salt. The dry ingredients are unmixed and distinct, inside the smooth white bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enjoy your bread plain to savor its rich chocolate and banana flavors, or add a light spread of butter or cream cheese for a creamy contrast. For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking or a drizzle of honey or melted nut butter when serving for added indulgence.

Side Dishes

This chocolate banana bread pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade strawberry ice cream for a delightful dessert twist. For breakfast, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to elevate your morning ritual.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and toast it lightly for a warm breakfast treat, or cut it into small squares and serve as bite-sized finger food at gatherings. You can even halve slices and create a decadent sandwich with peanut butter or marshmallow fluff for a fun variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover chocolate banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Stored this way, the bread stays moist and delicious, perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.

Freezing

To keep your bread fresh for longer, slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

Warm slices of the bread in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly for a fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling. This quick heat-up brings back the bread’s soft texture and the gooey chocolate goodness instantly.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the overall flavor and moisture of the bread.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter or oil to make a delicious vegan version of this Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite chocolate chips into the batter before baking to add texture and extra bursts of flavor.

What if I don’t have applesauce for the recipe?

You can replace applesauce with an equal amount of your preferred cooking oil or even mashed pumpkin. Each option will keep the bread moist but may slightly change the flavor.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf after about 50 minutes. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the toothpick isn’t clean, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about baking this Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe that fills your home with warmth and delicious aroma. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, moist loaf perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!