Double Chocolate Banana Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that doubles as breakfast and dessert, you’ve come to the right place! This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is an absolute favorite in my kitchen. It’s moist, bursting with rich chocolate flavor, and so easy to whip up. Perfect for busy mornings or cozy family gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for chocolate lovers.

The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream not only adds amazing moisture but also brings out the deep chocolate flavor that makes this bread irresistible. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a little butter later on, every bite feels like a warm hug!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious bread baking away in your oven.
• Family-friendly: Kids love chocolate, and they’ll be thrilled to help mash the bananas!
• Perfectly moist: The addition of sour cream ensures that this banana bread stays wonderfully moist for days.
• Make-ahead delight: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or share it with friends!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap in different types of chocolate chips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Double Chocolate Banana Bread. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Batter

• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
• 3 Large ripe bananas (mashed)
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a little extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup Mini chocolate chips

Variations

This recipe is so flexible; you can easily make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Make it vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Switch up the chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of cinnamon can add a lovely warmth to the bread.

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our bread to bake evenly. Prepare a 9X5 loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick baking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This will make removing the bread much easier once it’s baked!

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the dry ingredients and ensures there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside while we get the wet ingredients ready.

Step 3: Mash Those Bananas

In a small bowl, grab a fork or potato masher and mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Ripe bananas work best because they are sweeter and more flavorful. Plus, they’re easier to mash!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until you have a thick paste. Then, mix in those mashed bananas along with the sour cream and vanilla extract. Combining these first helps ensure everything blends well later on.

Step 5: Mix in Eggs and Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, add each egg one at a time into your banana mixture, making sure they’re fully incorporated before adding another. Now it’s time to fold in your dry ingredients from Step 2 until combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps from the bananas; that’s just part of its charm! Finally, stir in all those luscious chocolate chips.

Step 6: Pour into Pan and Add Toppings

Carefully pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Fill it about three-quarters full; if there’s any extra batter left over, feel free to use it for muffins! Top off your batter with some additional chocolate chips for that extra touch of sweetness.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake your Double Chocolate Banana Bread for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, let it sit in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Allowing it to cool completely enhances its texture and flavor.

Now you’re ready to slice into this delicious creation! Store any leftovers covered at room temperature—if there are any leftovers at all! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Baking is all about love and a little bit of technique! Here are some pro tips to help you master this delightful double chocolate banana bread.

• Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your banana bread tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so fold in those ingredients with care!
• Let it cool completely before slicing: Allowing the banana bread to cool completely helps it to set properly, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits if you’d like a different twist. They can provide additional texture and flavors that complement the chocolate beautifully!
• Store properly for freshness: Keep your banana bread covered at room temperature or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and delicious for several days!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is not only scrumptious on its own but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some delightful ideas that will make your presentation special.

Garnishes

• Sliced bananas: Fresh slices on top can enhance the banana flavor and make for a beautiful presentation.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds extra creaminess and a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top will make your banana bread look irresistible!

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the banana bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fresh berries offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor while keeping breakfast light.
• Hot cocoa or coffee: Pairing your banana bread with a warm drink enhances the cozy experience, perfect for chilly mornings or afternoon treats!
• Nut butter spread: A generous spread of almond or peanut butter gives an extra protein boost and complements the chocolate perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Banana Bread! Whether it’s for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the banana bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
• Avoid refrigerating as it may dry out the bread.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350F.
• Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure they don’t get too hot.

FAQs

Have questions about this delightful recipe? Here are some answers!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the Double Chocolate Banana Bread?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, this may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. You might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.

How do I make my Double Chocolate Banana Bread more chocolatey?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or increase the amount of chocolate chips used. A mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips can also elevate the richness!

Can I omit sour cream from the Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe?

While sour cream adds moisture and richness, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or applesauce if you prefer. Each option will still yield a delicious bread!

What makes this Double Chocolate Banana Bread so moist?

The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream contributes to its rich moisture content, ensuring every bite is tender and delightful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Double Chocolate Banana Bread! It’s not just a treat but a comforting experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, this recipe is bound to bring smiles. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with loved ones!