If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with a hint of boldness, this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine moist, tender banana bread infused with the deep, aromatic kick of espresso powder and studded with luscious dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication—a loaf that feels like a cozy hug and an elegant coffeehouse indulgence all wrapped into one. Whether it’s for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or an after-dinner delight, this bread promises to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the making, let’s talk about the magic behind these ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to contribute to the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that gorgeous color that makes this bread irresistible. From the ripe bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the espresso powder which awakens the chocolate’s depth, every component plays its part beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and keeps the bread tender.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly and become light.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder: Intensifies the chocolate and adds a subtle coffee kick.
- ½ cup olive oil: Keeps the bread moist with a hint of fruitiness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Provides warmth and complexity in sweetness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sugars for the ideal texture.
- 2 eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with its fragrant sweetness.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient for natural sweetness and softness.
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for topping: Melts into gooey pockets of intense chocolate.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for topping: Adds a sweeter chocolate contrast.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips): Prevents sinking and keeps chips evenly distributed.
How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven will help your bread rise beautifully and bake evenly. Also, grease your loaf pan well to ensure the bread comes out without a hitch.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. This combination is what gives your bread its signature chocolate-espresso flavor. The espresso powder, even in a small amount, dramatically boosts the chocolate, creating that irresistible depth.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed ripe bananas. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and richness to the batter. Those ripe bananas are key—they naturally sweeten and keep the loaf super soft.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—over-mixing will make the bread tough, and nobody wants that. The batter should look thick and luscious, promising a tender crumb.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Toss the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour so they don’t all sink to the bottom. Then carefully fold them into your batter, spreading little pockets of melty chocolate throughout every slice of bread.
Step 6: Bake with Love
Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for an extra shiny, tempting finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and your kitchen smells like a café haven.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps it set perfectly—then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to get those clean slices and to enjoy each bite of this decadent yet homey treat.
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe even more special, try dusting a little powdered sugar on top or add a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a glossy finish. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add that extra touch of color and texture that catches the eye.
Side Dishes
Pair your banana bread with a cup of morning coffee or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. If you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, creamy Greek yogurt or a smear of nut butter complements the chocolate-espresso flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or make banana bread French toast by dipping slices in an egg mixture and frying until crispy. Either way, your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe will shine in unexpected and delightful ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, wrap your leftover Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature, making it a convenient and delicious treat to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread will keep for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever you need a quick indulgence.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast it lightly in a toaster oven. This brings back its moist texture and melts the chocolate chips slightly, making every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
While espresso powder is ideal because it’s finely ground and dissolves completely into the batter, you can substitute with a small amount of instant coffee granules. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor intensity.
What happens if I use less ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, which is essential for moisture and flavor. Using less ripe bananas may result in a less sweet, denser bread. For best results, let your bananas get very spotty before mashing.
Can I substitute olive oil with butter?
Yes, butter can be swapped for olive oil, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly, giving a richer, more buttery taste. If you do, melt the butter and let it cool before using it.
Is it necessary to dust the chocolate chips with flour?
Dusting chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. It’s a simple trick that helps keep the chocolate evenly distributed.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If wet batter sticks to it, bake a little longer and check again.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe is more than just a loaf; it’s a joyful experience that brings warmth, comfort, and a hint of indulgence to any occasion. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite. So go ahead, bake a batch, share it with friends, or savor it quietly with your favorite cup of coffee—you deserve every delicious bite.
Print
Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of cocoa and espresso with ripe bananas for a moist, decadent treat. Enhanced with a blend of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. The recipe balances sweetness and a subtle coffee kick, making it an irresistible delight for chocolate and coffee lovers alike.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the banana bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. Whisk together evenly to ensure the leavening and flavorings are well distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Toss the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a loaf pan thoroughly. Pour the batter into the pan, then sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bread for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be firm and set.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure perfect slices.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Dusting chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
- This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing the banana bread wrapped tightly can keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
