The Best Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe: Moist, Rich, and Easy

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when overripe bananas meet chocolate. It’s the kind of magic that transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly moist, deeply flavorful, and utterly comforting treat. Our Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe takes this classic combination to the next level, offering a rich, satisfying bake that’s perfect for any occasion. With a generous dose of both cocoa powder and decadent chocolate chips, this isn’t just banana bread; it’s a double chocolate delight designed to brighten even the most challenging days.

Navigating the Maze of Adulting (and Finding Comfort in Baking)

Oh, the joys of adulthood. Remember those carefree days as kids, eagerly anticipating what growing up would bring? Or those college years, counting down to graduation? If I could take it all back, I would. I’d much rather grapple with the stress of a final exam than navigate the complexities of buying a new (to me) car or dealing with the seemingly endless stream of administrative tasks that define modern adult life. This time of year, in particular, feels like an uphill battle, marking the start of a new business year while simultaneously demanding attention to last year’s tax filings.

The dread of my accountant’s email, detailing the financial obligations of being self-employed, is a familiar weight. Then there was the saga of setting up my SEP (self-employed retirement account). It required sending physical paperwork that took two weeks to process, only to receive a frustratingly vague rejection letter. A follow-up call revealed the rejection was for something entirely unrelated to the SEP, highlighting the bureaucratic labyrinth one must often navigate. And let’s not forget the bank, where two different representatives offered conflicting information regarding a simple check issue, leading to a confusing and time-consuming runaround.

Even health insurance decided to join the fray, informing me I “earned too much money” last year to qualify for government assistance. This calculation, mind you, was made *before* taxes were deducted – a significant detail for any self-employed individual. The constant need to be on top of legal paperwork for freelancing only adds to the administrative burden. It’s a never-ending cycle of forms, phone calls, and often, frustration. In moments like these, when the weight of “adulting” feels particularly heavy, I find solace in simple pleasures that remind me why being an adult can, at times, be pretty awesome.

Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures: From Takeout to Double Chocolate Banana Bread

One of the greatest perks of adulthood, for me, is the freedom to eat exactly what I want, whenever I want it. Growing up, Chinese takeout was a rare treat. Now, if the craving strikes, I order it without a second thought, happily enjoying the leftovers for breakfast the next day. I vividly recall a visit to a friend in Brooklyn where we started our day with a delicious dim sum feast. These small, indulgent freedoms are a welcome antidote to the relentless demands of responsibility.

And when a specific craving hits – like the one for chocolate banana bread – I don’t hesitate. That’s how this glorious Double Chocolate Banana Bread came to be. It’s a delightful evolution of my beloved banana chocolate chip bread recipe, which I shared several years ago. For this enhanced version, I introduced a generous amount of unsweetened cocoa powder and a touch of milk to create a perfectly balanced batter. Personally, I believe this double chocolate rendition surpasses its predecessor, offering an unparalleled depth of flavor. Of course, if you’re not a huge chocolate enthusiast, your preference might lean towards the original, but for fellow chocolate lovers, this is truly a game-changer.

Crafting the Perfect Loaf: Tips for Moist, Rich Banana Bread

For me, the ultimate joy of banana bread lies in that slightly underbaked, wonderfully moist middle. It’s the part that prevents it from ever being dry or crumbly – a truly heavenly texture. If your preference leans towards a firmer loaf, simply extend the baking time by a few minutes. Every oven is different, so keeping a close eye on your bread during the final stages of baking is always a good practice. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (aside from melted chocolate chips, of course!).

What if your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, but the craving for this delicious bread can’t wait? I have a fantastic trick for you! You can quickly ripen bananas in their peels by baking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Don’t be alarmed when their peels turn completely black; this is exactly what you want! Inside, the bananas will become incredibly soft, sweet, and slightly roasted – perfect for mashing. Just be sure to let them cool for a few minutes before peeling and mashing to avoid burning your fingers. A helpful tip for easy cleanup: line a cookie sheet with foil before baking the bananas, as they tend to leak a little juice.

Another truly awesome perk of being an adult? Enjoying a slice of warm, decadent Double Chocolate Banana Bread for breakfast, with absolutely no one to tell me otherwise. Honestly, some mornings, that might even top leftover Chinese food! This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating moments of pure, unadulterated enjoyment. It’s about taking those forgotten, overripe bananas and transforming them into a delightful escape from the daily grind. So go ahead, treat yourself. You’ve earned it.

More Banana Bread Recipes to Explore

• Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
• Mini Banana Bread
• Small Batch Banana Muffins – The same fantastic recipe as banana bread, perfectly portioned into 6 delightful muffins.
• Chocolate Banana Muffins – A muffin version of this very chocolate banana bread recipe, yielding 6 delicious muffins.
• Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Yield:
1 loaf

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes

Turn your overripe bananas into this moist Chocolate Banana Bread with a double dose of chocolate thanks to cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup mashed banana (roughly 2 medium bananas)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder then stir in baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs, adding them one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the milk to the wet ingredients. Add the flour in three additions and the milk in two additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Transfer the prepared batter evenly into the greased loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean (a few melted chocolate chips are fine). Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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• 9×5 Loaf Pan

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