Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread (Printable)

A rich, moist banana bread infused with bold espresso and decadent dark chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - ½ tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed
06 - ½ cup granulated sugar
07 - ¼ cup light brown sugar
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
11 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

12 - ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
13 - Extra chocolate chips for topping (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
04 - Beat in the eggs, espresso, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired.
08 - Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The espresso deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee
  • It stays incredibly moist for days thanks to those overripe bananas working their magic
02 -
  • Overmixing develops gluten which makes quick breads tough and rubbery instead of tender
  • The toothpick test matters because carryover cooking finishes the center as it cools
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly creating a more even crumb
  • Let melted butter cool for 5 minutes so it does not cook the eggs when you mix them

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