Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a decadent treat that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert, this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is about to be your new obsession. With its moist crumb, punchy espresso undertones, and melty bits of chocolate, this Banana Bread is perfect for brunch gatherings, afternoon snacks, or a sweet pick-me-up. Ready to bake up something incredible? Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• Unbeatable combination of rich chocolate flavor and robust espresso notes.
• Super moist and tender thanks to perfectly ripe bananas.
• Simple to make with ingredients you probably already have at home.
• Makes a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert.
• Keeps well and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, mash the bananas until almost smooth. Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine.

Step 4: Make the Batter

• Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined (it's okay if a few streaks remain).
• Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
• Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).

Step 6: Cool & Serve

• Cool the banana bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use very ripe bananas (with lots of brown spots) for the sweetest, most flavorful result.
• Tenting the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking can prevent over-browning.
• Let the bread cool fully before slicing for easiest, cleanest slices.

Variations

• Nutty: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Mocha Marble: Swirl in some extra plain banana batter for a marbled look.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter or oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Required Equipment

• 9x5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk & spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (optional)

Storage

• Store Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy a warm slice with your favorite cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk.
• Top with a slather of nut butter or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Grill a slice in a pan with butter for a crispy, decadent treat.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the banana bread tender and fluffy.
• Check your bread at the 55-minute mark—baking times can vary based on your oven and pan.
• For bold coffee flavor, increase espresso powder by an extra ½ teaspoon.

FAQ

• Can I use brewed coffee instead of espresso powder? For the best flavor, stick with espresso powder. Brewed coffee can add moisture but won’t deliver as strong a coffee kick.
• Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Substitute eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoons water), and use non-dairy chocolate chips and oil.
• Why is my banana bread dense? Overmixing the batter or using under-ripe bananas can make your bread dense. Mix until just combined and use ripe bananas for the best texture.

★★★★★ 4.20 from 16 ratings

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

yield: 10 servings

prep: 15 mins

cook: 20 mins

total: 50 mins

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines ripe bananas with rich cocoa, espresso powder, and melty chocolate chips for an indulgent twist on classic banana bread. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 ¼ cups)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• ⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (120g) semisweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. 2
   In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, instant espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, mash the bananas until almost smooth. Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine.
4. 4
   Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined (it's okay if a few streaks remain).
5. 5
   Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
6. 6
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
7. 7
   Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).
8. 8
   Cool the banana bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 295 caloriescal

Protein: 4gg

Fat: 12gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 44gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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