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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Double Chocolate Banana Bread

    Published: Jun 7, 2021 · Modified: Aug 1, 2023 by Christy Faber · 26 Comments

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    Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful treat for anyone with a love for chocolate and nostalgic comfort foods. This banana bread recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and is naturally sweetened, and the texture of the crumb is wonderfully tender and moist. Grab those ripe bananas on your counter and let's get baking!

    As far as nostalgic foods go, banana bread is in a league of its own.

    This sweet quick bread is also really easy to mix up. It can be topped with a banana cut in half lengthwise or a dusting of coarse sugar or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips or some crushed nuts.

    People have strong opinions about what makes the perfect loaf of banana bread. What are your banana bread must-haves? Are you a walnut or pecan fan? Do you like it slightly undercooked and doughy in the very center? For me, chocolate chips are an absolute must in all banana breads!

    If you're a true chocolate lover, explore my other recipes like Chocolate Orange Pudding Cake, Chocolate Banana Buckwheat Muffins, Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Cake Bars, and Chocolate Covered Dates.

    Enjoy!

    The Secret To Good Banana Bread

    The secret to amazing banana bread is seriously overripe bananas.

    A lot of the taste and goodness of banana bread is dependent on overripe bananas. Many bakers see bright yellow bananas sitting on their counter and consider those bananas “over-ripe” a little prematurely. In the ingredient shot below you can see a bunch of bananas with brown spots on their peels that are just on the verge of being ripe enough for banana bread for reference.

    In my recipe testing stage, I tested making banana bread with bananas at varying stages of ripeness. I even tried roasting bananas in the oven to see if that would bring the sweetness out. All in all, I discovered you really just have to be patient to let bananas naturally ripen on your counter to a perfect sweet stage.

    Jump to:
    • The Secret To Good Banana Bread
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • How To Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe
    • Double Chocolate Banana Bread

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This recipe is ultra flavorful and moist!
    • Banana bread is the ultimate comfort food snack
    • Made with healthier ingredients
    • Option to use either whole grain spelt flour or all-purpose flour
    • Option to have this recipe entirely sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup or to use brown sugar if that's what you have on hand
    • Ripe bananas add a natural sweetness to this loaf
    • This recipe is versatile and you can experiment with a variety of add-ins to make it to your preferences
    • Make ahead and freezer friendly

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make chocolate banana bread laid out on a countertop in bowls, including ripe bananas.
    • Flour - this recipe has been tested with both all-purpose flour and whole-grain spelt flour.
    • Cocoa powder - choose good quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
    • Baking soda
    • Salt - I choose an unrefined sea salt.
    • Butter
    • Coconut sugar - or swap for brown sugar if you prefer.
    • Eggs
    • Bananas - the key to really delicious and sweet banana bread is truly overripe bananas.
    • Maple syrup
    • Brewed coffee - this is optional but this add-in helps to enhance the chocolate flavor.
    • Chocolate chips - choose sugar-free chocolate chips if desired!

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Flour: you can use all-purpose flour instead of spelt flour if preferred.
    • Sugar: you can use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar if preferred.
    • Swap the brewed coffee for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon of fine espresso powder.
    • Chocolate chips could be swapped for chopped chunks of baker's chocolate.
    • Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor by incorporating chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts into the batter.
    • For an attractive decorative topping, slice an additional banana in half lengthwise and gently lay it on top of the batter in the loaf pan just before placing it in the oven for baking.

    I have not experimented with any other substitutions or alterations for this recipe. If you decide to make any changes by adding or substituting ingredients, I would love it if you could share your results with us by leaving a comment below.

    How To Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread

    Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

    Step 1: Preheat the oven and combine dry ingredients.

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.

    Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt) in a medium bowl and mix well.

    Dry ingredients in a mixing bowl ready to be mixed together.

    Step 2: Beat butter and sugar together.

    Mix butter and brown sugar for 5 minutes with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

    Beaten butter and sugar in a mixing bowl showing a light and fluffy texture.

    Step 3: Beat in eggs.

    Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time. Once eggs are combined, add room temperature maple syrup.

    A hand blender beating eggs into wet ingredients in a mixing bowl.

    Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients.

    Fold in dry ingredients a bit at a time until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.  Gently fold in mashed bananas.

    Mashed banana sitting on top of wet and dry ingredients just mixed ready to be folded in.

    Step 5: Add chocolate chips

    Fold in chocolate chips.

    Chocolate chips sitting on top of banana bread batter ready to be mixed in.

    Step 6: Pour into a loaf pan.

    Pour into a greased 9x5 loaf pan.

    Someone using a spatula to pour completed banana bread batter into a greased stoneware loaf pan.

    Step 7: Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

    Smooth out the top of the batter and sprinkle with some extra chocolate chips.

    Chocolate chips sprinkled on top of completed banana bread batter resting in a loaf pan.

    Step 8: Bake.

    Bake for 60-70 minutes. Test your banana bread at 60 minutes with a toothpick or cake tester.  Continue to bake until the tester comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into the loaf.

    Baked chocolate banana bread fresh out of the oven.

    Expert Tips

    • Always be prepared to make banana bread: Next time you go to the grocery store, buy several extra bunches of bananas and let them get really ripe on your counter. When they’re the perfect ripeness for banana bread,  simply peel them and freeze them in a freezer-safe container and then you are ready for delicious banana bread at any time.
    • Measure the flour carefully and accurately. The best way to do this is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife.
    • I included a small amount of sugar in this recipe so that you can beat the butter and sugar together for 3-5 minutes before adding the rest of the wet ingredients. Beating butter and sugar together for this long allows the sugar granules to really whip up the butter and make it light and fluffy. This method results in a lighter loaf.
    • Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can give you tough banana bread. 
    • Try setting aside 100-150 grams of banana to mash more gently so your loaf has more texture and bits of banana. 
    Single slice of chocolate banana bread on an ornate plate showing the moist texture of the bread.

    Recipe FAQs

    Does banana bread freeze well?

    Yes, absolutely!  Banana bread freezes really well. I encourage you to double the recipe and enjoy one loaf now and the other loaf with company at a later date. Freezing banana bread for a few months will not affect the flavor or texture of the bread.

    Can banana bread be made into muffins?

    Yes, absolutely! Distribute the batter into muffin tins and bake in a 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

    How to ripen bananas quickly for banana bread?

    Paper Bag Method: Place the bananas in a paper bag. Close the bag and leave it at room temperature for about 24 hours. The bananas release ethylene gas, and the enclosed space will help trap the gas, ripening the bananas faster.
    Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake them for about 15-20 minutes. The peels will turn black, and the bananas inside will soften and sweeten.

    Slices of chocolate banana bread staggered, laying on a table.

    Storage

    Room Temperature

    Once the loaf has fully cooled wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

    Freezer

    Once the loaf has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    More Recipes You'll Love

    • Green Smoothie Chocolate Muffins
    • Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Close up spelt cookie with melted chocolate chips and finishing salt on top, broken in two.
      Spelt Chocolate Chunk Cookies
    • Healthy Chocolate Haystack Cookies

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know!
    Leave a review or comment below!

    Recipe

    Double Chocolate Banana Bread

    Christy Faber
    Double chocolate banana bread is a delightful treat for anyone with a love for chocolate and nostalgic comfort foods. This banana bread recipe is made with wholesome ingredients and is naturally sweetened, and the texture of the crumb is wonderfully tender and moist.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 slices
    Calories 348 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Dry Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cup spelt flour (or all-purpose flour)
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon grey unrefined salt

    Wet Ingredients

    • ½ cup butter at room temperature
    • ¼ cup coconut sugar (or dark brown sugar)
    • 2 eggs large eggs at room temperature
    • 4 bananas very ripe bananas (1½ cups mashed) (360g)
    • ½ cup maple syrup at room temperature
    • 1 tbsp brewed coffee (optional)
    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    Topping:

    • 1 tbsp chocolate chips to sprinkle on the top

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5 loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
    • Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cocoa powder and salt) in a medium bowl and mix well.
    • Mix butter and sugar for 5 minutes with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
    • Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time. Once eggs are combined, add room temperature maple syrup.
    • Fold in dry ingredients a bit at a time until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.  Gently fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
    • Pour into a greased pan and top with a sprinkle of additional chocolate chips.
    • Bake for 60-70 minutes. Test your banana bread  after 60 minutes with a toothpick or cake tester.  Continue to bake until the tester comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into the loaf.

    Notes

    • For truly delicious banana bread, the bananas you use need to be truly overripe.
    • Measure the flour carefully and accurately. The best way to do this is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife.
      Try setting aside 100-150 grams of banana to mash more gently so your loaf has more texture and bits of banana. 
    • Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can give you tough banana bread. 
    • I included a small amount of sugar in this recipe so that you can beat the butter and sugar together for 3-5 minutes before adding the rest of the wet ingredients. Beating butter and sugar together for this long allows the sugar granules to really whip up the butter and make it light and fluffy. This method results in a lighter loaf.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 45.1gCalories: 348kcalCarbohydrates: 49.2gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9.9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 339mgPotassium: 411mgFiber: 4.6gSugar: 27.5gCalcium: 64mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went!  Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!

    ‘Til next time,

    Christy

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rita says

      October 03, 2024 at 2:29 pm

      Looks awesome - just printed the recipe to try it out for a tasty treat this weekend!

      Reply
    2. Sophia says

      September 17, 2024 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      This was so so delicious! This was great to feed my little guy since it doesn't have refined sugar!
      I made this into muffins and baked for about 20 mins and it was absolutely perfect and so so good.

      Reply
    3. Sadie says

      July 28, 2021 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is sooo good!!! My husband did not want to wait for this to cool down before digging into it. Perfect for chocolate lovers!! Will definitely be making this again.

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        August 18, 2021 at 7:03 pm

        Thank you Sadie! I'm so happy to hear it was such a hit!

        Reply
    4. Bianca Armstrong says

      June 10, 2021 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is delicious!! I am always looking for a reliable banana bread recipe and this did not disappoint. It is more decadent than your typical banana bread - so moist and chocolatey. It also made our entire house smell a.maz.ing! Thank you for sharing, Christy!

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 19, 2021 at 5:05 pm

        Thank you so much for the kind review! Freshly baked banana bread truly does make a house smell amazing!!

        Reply
    5. Brittany says

      June 09, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      I loveeeee the idea of a chocolate banana bread. And I really love how you added the bananas as a whole. Really aesthetically pleasing. Can’t wait to make this

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 09, 2021 at 6:14 pm

        Thank you! the banana on top really takes it up a notch. Hope you love it!

        Reply
    6. Kirby says

      June 09, 2021 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      This looks excellent! I can’t wait to try it with coconut sugar and gf flour

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 09, 2021 at 2:52 pm

        Oooh! When you try it with gluten free flour please let me know how it is!

        Reply
    7. LaRena Fry says

      June 08, 2021 at 5:44 am

      5 stars
      I think I may have just fell in love with this recipe. LOL. This sounds amazing.

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 08, 2021 at 6:36 pm

        Thank you for the kind comment! If you make it I hope it becomes a family favourite!

        Reply
    8. Daniel says

      June 08, 2021 at 12:37 am

      5 stars

      Very tasty and easy to make! Love the way the banana looks on top! Takes presentation up a notch!

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 08, 2021 at 6:34 pm

        I agree! Plus a few chocolate chips sprinkled on top never hurts as well!

        Reply
    9. Jimmy Clare says

      June 07, 2021 at 11:24 pm

      this makes me hungry

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 08, 2021 at 6:33 pm

        Tell me about it!

        Reply
    10. Will says

      June 07, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars

      5 stars
      This banana bread is amazing! Such a great, rich taste, but not too sweet. The texture is also exceptional… you’ve got to give it a try.

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 07, 2021 at 10:53 pm

        I'm so happy to hear! Thanks for taking the time to review!

        Reply
    11. Kathryn says

      June 07, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing! I especially loved that this recipe has such a rich chocolate taste. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 07, 2021 at 6:46 pm

        Thank you for the kind comment! Banana bread + chocolate = ultimate comfort food!

        Reply
    12. Adrian F says

      June 07, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      5 stars
      This banana bread was so good! I agree that chocolate is a must with all banana breads, and this recipe brought it all together. Would I be able to use an espresso shot if I really wanted to bring out a strong coffee flavour? Thanks

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 07, 2021 at 5:38 pm

        Espresso would be AMAZING in this! You could do up to 2 tbsp of espresso in this recipe. Just a tip: before taking the bread out of the oven, poke the centre with a tooth pick (or with a thin knife) in the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean then it's cooked in the very centre. This is good to double check when you're using a bit more liquid in a recipe. So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    13. Bethany says

      June 07, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      I loved fresh banana bread as a child and still do! I look forward to baking this recipe with my little girl and carrying on the tradition! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 07, 2021 at 10:48 pm

        That's one of the best ways to make memories! Happy baking!

        Reply
    14. Julie says

      June 07, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      Banana bread is a staple in our home. Planning to make this version next time my grandchildren visit!

      Reply
      • Christy Faber says

        June 07, 2021 at 5:39 pm

        Oh yes! This is a great recipe for making those memories with grandchildren. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    5 from 12 votes

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    Welcome,

    I’m Christy

    a happy wife and mother to three boys, a nutritionist, a food lover and a Canadian. Creating and experimenting in the kitchen is my idea of an afternoon well spent. To me, a clean kitchen is an empty canvas of possibility and that means my kitchen never stays clean for long. My dream is that one or more of the recipes I share here will inspire you, perhaps even becoming a cherished family favourite.

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