This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast or dessert. It boasts a rich chocolate flavor and a moist texture thanks to ripe bananas and sour cream. Enjoy this versatile recipe that’s sure to please both family and friends with its decadent touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and sour cream creates an incredibly moist bread, bursting with chocolate flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, toasted, or as a dessert topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough for 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Loaded with semi-sweet and mini chocolate chips, this banana bread satisfies any chocolate craving.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Double Chocolate Banana Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Loaf pan (9X5)
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Fork or potato masher
- Whisk
- Sifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick baking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Loaf pan: Essential for shaping the banana bread while it bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Helps in easily combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- Whisk: Useful for incorporating air into the mixture, making the banana bread light and fluffy.
Ingredients
This best double chocolate banana bread is perfect for breakfast and dessert. It is moist, full of chocolate chips, and has sour cream to make this the easiest banana bread ever.
For the Bread
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
- 3 Large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus a little extra to go on top of batter)
- 1/4 cup Mini chocolate chips
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9X5 loaf pan with non-stick baking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bread after baking.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Unsweetened cocoa powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
Set aside once combined.
Step 3: Mash Bananas
In a small bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash the three ripe bananas until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
Continue whisking until a thick paste forms. Add in mashed bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix together until combined.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time into the wet mixture and mix thoroughly after each addition. Gradually add all of the dry ingredients from step two into this mixture until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be slightly lumpy due to the bananas. Fold in all of the chocolate chips gently.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it about three-quarters full. If there’s excess batter, you can place it in muffin tins. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter for added indulgence.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The banana bread is ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Banana Bread!
How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Double Chocolate Banana Bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it as a decadent breakfast or a sweet dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
Toasted with Butter
- Toast slices of the banana bread and spread a thin layer of butter for a warm, comforting treat.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert option.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Enjoy alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas to balance the richness of the chocolate.
Served with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm banana bread.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the bread enhances its chocolaty goodness.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Pairing your banana bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a perfect afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Double Chocolate Banana Bread
To achieve the best results when making Double Chocolate Banana Bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Make sure to use proper measuring techniques for flour and cocoa powder to avoid dense bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy—overmixing can lead to toughness.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a rack before slicing to achieve clean cuts and better texture.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftover banana bread covered at room temperature to maintain its moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Double Chocolate Banana Bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavor. Here are some excellent options.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter provides protein and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and freshness, enhancing your dessert experience.
- Granola Parfait: Layering banana bread pieces with granola and yogurt creates a delicious parfait that’s great for breakfast.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy side adds texture and nutritional value, making it an excellent complement.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with granola and fruits serves as an energizing side dish for any meal.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For those who enjoy coconut flavors, this dairy-free topping elevates dessert time.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea provides warmth and complements the sweet flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking your Double Chocolate Banana Bread, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in the outcome.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir gently until ingredients are just combined.
- Using unripe bananas – Ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture. Make sure your bananas are spotty and soft for the best flavor.
- Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining your pan can make removal difficult. Use parchment paper for easy release.
- Not measuring accurately – Incorrect measurements can affect texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring cooling time – Cutting into the bread too soon can result in a gummy texture. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.
Freezing Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Double Chocolate Banana Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Double Chocolate Banana Bread
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the best Double Chocolate Banana Bread.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the bread may be denser. Consider mixing half all-purpose with half whole wheat for better results.
How do I make my Double Chocolate Banana Bread sweeter?
You can increase the brown sugar slightly or add more chocolate chips to enhance sweetness without affecting texture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans pair nicely with the chocolate flavors, but be mindful of allergies.
What do I do if my banana bread is too moist?
If your bread is too wet, ensure that your bananas are not overly ripe, as well as check that you’ve measured your wet ingredients accurately.
Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Yes! You can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar, but you may need to adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is not only delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or swapping out chocolate types. Bake this delightful treat and savor every bite!