Double Chocolate Banana Bread - freshly baked bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Banana, Zucchini & Fruit Loaf Breads

Intensely chocolatey banana bread with cocoa powder in the batter AND chocolate chips throughout. For serious chocolate lovers.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

55 min

Servings

10

Calories

295

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet

    Combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

  3. 3

    Add Dry

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.

  4. 4

    Add Fruit

    Fold in the featured fruit or mix-ins.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Pour into pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then turn out.

Baker's Notes

Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter — it prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

This double chocolate banana bread is the kind of loaf that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Cocoa powder gets folded right into the batter alongside chocolate chips, giving every bite a deep, almost brownie-like richness that ordinary banana bread just can't match.

What makes it especially satisfying is how the cocoa and banana work together — the fruit's natural sweetness balances the cocoa's bitterness while keeping the crumb wonderfully moist. It's become a weekend staple in my house, and I know plenty of Canadian bakers who keep a loaf in the freezer year-round.

Tips for the Best Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Melt the butter gently and let it cool slightly before mixing with the eggs so you don't scramble them. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined — even a few extra stirs will turn this tender loaf dense. And resist the urge to slice warm; waiting until it's fully cooled keeps the crumb from collapsing under its own weight.

What to Serve With It

Slice it thick and serve it warm with a mug of tea or coffee — it's perfect for a lazy Saturday morning. A thin layer of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of icing sugar adds elegance for guests. Pair it with fresh berries or a quick apple compée to cut through the richness.

Storage & Reheating

Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, double-wrap and freeze for up to three months — thaw overnight at room temperature or warm slices briefly in the microwave. It reheats beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

295

cal

5g

Protein

9g

Fat

37g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

349mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ripe plantains instead of bananas?+

Plantains aren't sweet enough and have a different moisture content, so they won't work well here. Stick with very ripe bananas for the best flavour and texture.

Dutch-process or regular cocoa — does it matter?+

Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper, darker chocolate flavour and richer colour. Regular cocoa works fine too, but the loaf will be lighter in both taste and appearance.

How do I know when the bread is done?+

Insert a toothpick into the centre after 50 minutes — it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should spring back lightly when pressed.

Can I freeze this bread?+

Yes — wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.

My bananas aren't very ripe yet. Can I still use them?+

They'll work, but the flavour won't be as intense. You can speed things up by baking peeled bananas at 300°F for 15 minutes until soft and darkened.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toss fruit in a tablespoon of flour before folding in to prevent sinking.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing — cutting too early releases steam and changes texture.
  • Fruit breads freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reviews (4)

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.