As I stood in my kitchen, the smell of baked goods wafting through the air, I couldn’t help but reminisce about lazy Sunday mornings filled with chocolatey delights. One recipe that never fails to bring back those cozy vibes is my Double Chocolate Banana Bread. Not only does this recipe transform those overripe bananas into a rich, sweet treat, but it also boasts a healthy twist with almond flour and almond butter, making it a perfect option for both indulgence and nutrition! Whether you're treating yourself to a slice with morning coffee or surprising a friend with a homemade gift, this banana bread is quick to whip up and bound to impress. Ready to dive into a chocolatey dream? Let’s get baking!
Why is Double Chocolate Banana Bread Irresistible?
Decadent flavors meld beautifully in this recipe, where rich chocolate meets naturally sweet bananas. Healthy ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar offer a guilt-free indulgence that everyone loves. Quick preparation time, just 15 minutes, means you can enjoy a homemade treat even on your busiest days. Versatile in serving options, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas! If you’re looking for more delicious banana recipes, check out my Moist Banana Muffins for another crowd-pleasing favorite!
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Ingredients
For the Batter
- 3 ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
- 3 eggs – These add moisture and binding for a perfect loaf.
- ⅓ cup almond butter – Provides healthy fats and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
- ½ cup almond flour – A gluten-free alternative that keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 tablespoon coconut flour – Helps absorb moisture and adds fiber for a healthier treat.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Essential for leavening, giving your banana bread that lovely rise.
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder – This is what makes your Double Chocolate Banana Bread unbelievably chocolatey!
- A pinch of salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the rich flavors.
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar – A lower glycemic index alternative to regular sugar, adding a touch of caramel flavor.
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (divided) – Adds decadent pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bread.
For Serving Suggestions
- Optional toppings – Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
- Storage tip – Keep leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Dive into the rich, chocolatey goodness that is Double Chocolate Banana Bread and enjoy every delightful bite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure that as soon as your banana bread batter is ready, it can go straight in for an even bake. While the oven warms up, you can gather your ingredients and prepare your mixing bowls for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, take your three ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. Use a fork or a potato masher for the best results. You want to achieve a creamy texture without any lumps. This banana base will bring natural sweetness and moisture to your Double Chocolate Banana Bread, making it irresistibly delicious.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add the three eggs and ⅓ cup of almond butter to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. This mixture will serve as the moist foundation of your batter, blending beautifully with the chocolate to create a decadent loaf. Set this wet mixture aside while preparing the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of almond flour, 2 tablespoons of coconut flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and ⅓ cup of coconut sugar. This dry mix is essential for achieving the perfect texture and balance in your banana bread. When combined, the dry ingredients should look uniform in color and consistency.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula, taking care not to overmix. As you combine them, you want to see the batter come together while maintaining a few small streaks of flour. Overmixing could lead to a dense loaf, which we're trying to avoid for our light and fluffy Double Chocolate Banana Bread.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Once just combined, carefully fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This addition will create those delightful pockets of melted chocolate that everyone loves. Ensure the chips are mixed in without overworking the batter, keeping the texture soft and inviting.
Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with coconut oil. This preparation step is essential for ensuring your banana bread releases easily after baking. The parchment paper will help maintain the shape and allow easy removal, leading to a perfectly presented Double Chocolate Banana Bread.
Step 8: Pour the Batter
Pour the banana bread mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Before sliding it into the oven, top the batter with the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty finish. This visual touch also enhances the presentation, making your banana bread even more enticing.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35–37 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should look set, and the top will have a rich, dark color, hinting at the chocolatey goodness within.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the Double Chocolate Banana Bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This step ensures optimal texture, making slicing easy and keeping the bread fluffy and moist for serving.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful recipe to your preferences for a unique sweet experience!
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunbutter or another nut-free butter alternative for a school-friendly version.
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Whole Wheat: Swap almond flour for whole wheat flour to boost the fiber content while keeping that delicious banana flavor intact.
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Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the chocolate.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce and use a flaxseed egg for a plant-based twist that still holds the moisture.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spicy undertone that surprises the taste buds.
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Fruit-Infused: Incorporate ½ cup of blueberries or raspberries for a fruity burst that wonderfully contrasts with the rich chocolate.
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Chunky Chocolate: Instead of chocolate chips, use chopped dark chocolate for varied texture and a more robust chocolate flavor.
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Salted Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce to elevate your banana bread to a decadent dessert.
Explore these variations, and don’t hesitate to share your own delicious twists! If you're looking for more ways to use chocolate, consider checking out my Moist Chocolate Cake for a heavenly chocolate indulgence!
How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Room Temperature: Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and delicious for your everyday snacking.
Fridge: If you want to enjoy it for a longer period, wrap the bread well in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. This helps maintain its freshness while enhancing its flavors.
Freezer: To freeze, slice the Double Chocolate Banana Bread and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future treats!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw out the slices overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or prefer it warmed in the oven to retain that freshly baked texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Double Chocolate Banana Bread delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mash the bananas and combine the wet ingredients (bananas, eggs, and almond butter) up to 24 hours in advance; just cover the mixture and refrigerate to keep everything fresh. You can also whisk the dry ingredients (almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt, and coconut sugar) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, simply stir the wet and dry mixtures together, fold in the chocolate chips, pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy that decadent chocolatey goodness with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Double Chocolate Banana Bread?
Indulging in a slice of chocolatey goodness calls for delectable accompaniments that enhance every mouthful of flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the bread, providing a refreshing contrast and extra burst of flavor.
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy and slightly tangy, a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a delightful creaminess that turns your banana bread into a satisfying snack.
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Nutty Granola: The crunchy texture and toasted flavor of granola sprinkled atop your banana bread elevate it, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite.
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Peanut Butter Drizzle: A warm drizzle of peanut butter adds salty-sweet richness, taking your banana bread experience to the next level of deliciousness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: For those special occasions, a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly dessert that melts luxuriously alongside the warm chocolatey bread.
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Iced Coffee: The bold flavor of iced coffee makes for the perfect pairing, balancing the sweetness and giving you a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
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Mint Tea: A soothing cup of herbal mint tea cleanses the palate and complements the rich chocolate flavor, making it a beautifully relaxing pairing.
Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter your bread will be—look for bananas with brown spots for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense loaf. You want a light, fluffy Double Chocolate Banana Bread!
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread during the last few minutes; every oven is different, and you want it just right—moist but not underbaked.
- Add More Chocolate: For extra indulgence, consider adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the inside and keeps it from becoming gummy.
Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right bananas for Double Chocolate Banana Bread?
Absolutely! The riper the bananas, the sweeter your Double Chocolate Banana Bread will be. Look for bananas that are mainly yellow with dark spots, as this indicates peak ripeness. Overripe bananas are softer and sweeter, making them perfect for baking!
How should I store my Double Chocolate Banana Bread?
For room temperature storage, simply place your leftover banana bread in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to extend freshness, wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate it, which will keep it good for about 1 week!
Can I freeze Double Chocolate Banana Bread?
Yes, you can! To freeze, slice the banana bread first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and insert them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This will keep your slices delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave for about 15-30 seconds, or in the oven for that warm, freshly baked experience!
What should I do if my banana bread is too dense?
Very! If your Double Chocolate Banana Bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. Ensure you gently fold in the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Another tip is to check the freshness of your baking soda; it should be active and bubbly when mixed with wet ingredients.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe uses almond flour and almond butter, making it gluten-free and suitable for those avoiding wheat. However, if you have nut allergies, you can substitute the almond butter with sunflower seed butter, and use a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour. Always check for chocolate chips that are dairy-free if required, keeping everyone in mind!
Decadent Double Chocolate Banana Bread for Sweet Indulgence
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Loaf pan
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 3 ripe bananas The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bread will be!
- 3 eggs These add moisture and binding for a perfect loaf.
- ⅓ cup almond butter Provides healthy fats and a nutty flavor.
- ½ cup almond flour Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 tablespoon coconut flour Helps absorb moisture and adds fiber.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Essential for leavening.
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder Makes your bread unbelievably chocolatey!
- A pinch salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar A lower glycemic index alternative to regular sugar.
- ¾ cup chocolate chips Adds decadent pockets of melty chocolate.
For Serving Suggestions
- Optional toppings Melted chocolate or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Storage tip Wrap leftovers to maintain freshness.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Combine the eggs and almond butter with the mashed bananas, whisking until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, salt, and coconut sugar.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently.
- Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Prepare an 8×4 loaf pan with parchment paper and coconut oil.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with remaining chocolate chips.
- Bake for 35–37 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
