Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers! Made with ripe bananas, rich cocoa powder, and two types of chocolate chips, this moist and decadent bread is a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey flavors. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, this easy banana bread recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s soft, tender, and packed with melty chocolate chunks, making it a comforting option for any occasion. This delicious recipe also includes tips for substitutions like gluten-free or dairy-free options. Perfect for using overripe bananas, this chocolate banana bread is the ideal way to use up leftover fruit while satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mash the Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and thick. Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually stir in the sifted dry ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy due to the banana chunks. Fold in both the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini chocolate chips.
6. Fill the Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it about ¾ of the way. If there’s any leftover batter, you can use it to make a few muffins. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter.
7. Bake the Banana Bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Store covered at room temperature.

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Tips

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana bread. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: When inserting a toothpick to check doneness, be sure it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not batter).
• Optional Muffins: If you have leftover batter, you can easily bake it as muffins. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Add a handful of walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy butter and sour cream substitute for a dairy-free option.
• Other Add-ins: Try adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel for extra flavor.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this banana bread?
  Yes, banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the microwave.
• Can I use a different type of chocolate?
  Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate depending on your preference.
• Why is my banana bread too dense?
  If your banana bread is dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined for a lighter texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast or Snack: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
• With Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Topped with Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on a slice for an extra boost of flavor and protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey goodness and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The moist, tender crumb paired with gooey chocolate chips makes it the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert, this indulgent banana bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!