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Chocolate Banana Bread - Moist, Rich, and Easy to Make

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large very ripe bananas (about 1 1/2 cups mashed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (plus extra for topping, optional)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment and lightly grease it so the bread lifts out easily.
  2. Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. You should have about 1 1/2 cups.
  3. Whisk in the wet ingredients: Add the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
  4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps prevent cocoa clumps.
  5. Bring it together: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix—a few streaks of flour are fine.
  6. Fold in the chocolate: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts if using). Sprinkle a few extra chips on top for a bakery-style look.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing while warm can make it crumbly, so give it time to set.
  9. Slice and enjoy: Use a serrated knife for clean slices. Serve plain, or with a smear of peanut butter for extra indulgence.