This Chocolate Banana Bread is everything you love about dessert and comfort food wrapped into one slice. It’s moist, rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweet — with the natural fruitiness of ripe bananas bringing balance to the deep cocoa notes. The semisweet chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, and the optional walnuts add a satisfying crunch. It’s hard to stop at just one slice.
Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a pat of butter or as a satisfying snack with coffee, this recipe is made to impress. It’s a foolproof bake you’ll keep returning to — perfect for brunch spreads, cozy weekends, or gifting to your fellow chocoholics. Gluten-free? Absolutely. Flavor-free? Never. Prepare to fall in love with banana bread all over again.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt
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1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3 ripe bananas)
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
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1/4 cup canola oil
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1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
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1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
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Add the melted butter, oil, vanilla, and egg to the bananas and mix well until combined.
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Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
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Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips over the surface.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal per slice | Servings: 10
The Best Chocolate Banana Bread – A Rich, Cozy Classic
There’s something universally comforting about banana bread. It’s simple, homey, and nostalgic. But when you take that warm familiarity and give it a rich, chocolatey twist, you elevate it into a dessert-worthy masterpiece. That’s exactly what the Best Chocolate Banana Bread does—it combines the tender sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgent intensity of cocoa and melty chocolate chips to create a loaf that’s as suitable for brunch as it is for dessert.
This recipe has gained popularity not just for its flavor, but for its foolproof consistency, moist texture, and versatility. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this chocolate banana bread is sure to become a regular in your baking rotation.
A Fusion of Flavor and Comfort
Banana bread on its own is a reliable classic—moist, subtly sweet, and slightly earthy. Bananas are one of those magical ingredients that naturally add structure, sweetness, and moisture to baked goods. When they reach that soft, spotty brown stage, they’re ideal for baking. Their flavor becomes intensified, and their sugars become more pronounced, making them perfect for this kind of loaf.
Now, introduce chocolate to that canvas, and things take a decadent turn. Cocoa powder brings a deep, rich base that marries perfectly with the fruitiness of the bananas, while semisweet chocolate chips scattered throughout the batter deliver gooey pockets of melty goodness in every bite. The result? A loaf that’s somewhere between cake and quick bread. It satisfies a chocolate craving while still being breakfast-approved.
Why This Chocolate Banana Bread Stands Out
What really sets this recipe apart is its balance. It’s not just sweet—it’s layered. The cocoa adds depth without being overwhelming. The bananas provide natural moisture and richness. The brown sugar contributes a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor, while the butter and oil combo ensures a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Optional walnuts add a bit of texture and nutty balance, but the recipe works just as well without them for those who prefer a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Additionally, it’s a flexible recipe that allows for modifications without sacrificing its integrity. Whether you want to swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, use coconut oil instead of canola, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet twist—the recipe remains forgiving and delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This chocolate banana bread isn’t just a kitchen staple—it’s a mood. Imagine a quiet morning with a cup of coffee, a rainy afternoon when you need a pick-me-up, or an unexpected guest dropping by. A warm slice of this bread can make any of those moments feel extra special.
It’s also a great bake for holidays, potlucks, or gifting. Wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, it makes a thoughtful and cozy gift from the kitchen. Because it holds up well over time and travels beautifully, it’s ideal for mailing or making ahead.
And yes, this loaf freezes wonderfully! You can slice and individually wrap pieces for future you to enjoy on a busy day—or bake multiple loaves and stash one away for emergency chocolate cravings.
Kid-Friendly, Family-Approved
This bread earns rave reviews from adults and kids alike. Children love it because it tastes like chocolate cake, and parents love it because it sneaks in fruit without complaint. It’s also a great way to use up those browning bananas that have been sitting on the counter—an eco-friendly solution to food waste and a treat in one.
Even picky eaters are often won over by the chocolatey aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture. And since you can customize it with add-ins like mini marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut, it’s easy to tailor it to your family’s favorites.
Making it Gluten-Free Without Compromise
One of the best features of this recipe is how beautifully it adapts to gluten-free baking. When using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend—especially one with xanthan gum or a similar binding agent—you’ll barely notice a difference in texture or taste.
Many people worry that gluten-free versions of traditional baked goods can be dry or crumbly. That’s not the case here. The bananas and fats add so much moisture that even without gluten, the loaf stays tender and cohesive. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this is a great way to indulge without concern.
Additionally, you can make this dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and choosing vegan chocolate chips, making it even more inclusive.
Tips for Success Every Time
Here are a few expert tips to get the most out of your loaf:
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Use very ripe bananas: The riper, the better. They should be soft, speckled, and deeply aromatic.
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Don’t overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
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Use room temperature ingredients: This helps with even mixing and baking.
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Check for doneness at 50 minutes: Since ovens vary, you want to avoid overbaking. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, but no raw batter.
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Cool properly: Let it rest in the pan first, then cool on a wire rack. Cutting it too early may cause it to fall apart.
Following these suggestions ensures a consistently delicious result every single time.
The Magic of Homemade Baked Goods
There’s something inherently magical about homemade baking. The smell of banana bread in the oven brings a kind of peace to the kitchen—it fills the house with warmth, comfort, and anticipation. It’s a gentle reminder of simple joys: slowing down, sharing food, creating memories.
Chocolate banana bread is one of those recipes that turns ordinary ingredients into something special. It doesn’t require fancy tools or rare ingredients—just a bowl, a loaf pan, and a desire to feed yourself and others with love.
In a world that often moves too fast, baking this bread is a small way to reclaim time and nourish both body and soul.
Conclusion: A Must-Bake for All Seasons
Whether you’re baking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this Best Chocolate Banana Bread delivers every single time. It’s rich but not cloying, easy but impressive, and simple yet unforgettable.
With its deep cocoa notes, tender crumb, and delightful banana flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark, return to often, and share with friends. And best of all? It’s adaptable to almost any diet, including gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyles.
In a single loaf, you’ll find nostalgia, indulgence, and a sense of home. So grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of chocolate banana bread transform your kitchen into a haven of comfort and joy.