Can’t decide between the rich, decadent allure of a brownie and the comforting, moist sweetness of banana bread? Why settle when you can have the best of both worlds? Our **Double Chocolate Banana Bread** flawlessly merges these two beloved treats into one unforgettable loaf. This recipe is not just fast and incredibly easy to make; it’s the epitome of comfort baking, delivering a satisfyingly rich, fudgy, and moist texture that will quickly become your ultimate go-to dessert. A reader favorite since 2014, this indulgent creation has stood the test of time, captivating palates with its deep chocolate flavor and tender crumb. If you’re looking for a dessert that offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, this is the one you simply have to try.

Imagine a super fudgy texture, almost indistinguishable from a perfectly baked brownie, but infused with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas. This exceptional chocolate banana bread recipe takes indulgence a step further, generously topped with melted chocolate chips that create delightful gooey pockets in every slice. By blending your deepest banana bread cravings with your most intense brownie desires into a single, irresistible loaf, this easy double chocolate banana bread guarantees a dessert experience that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly simple to achieve. Prepare for it to become a staple in your baking repertoire, perfect for any occasion that calls for a truly comforting treat.

Why This Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is a Winner

Our **Double Chocolate Banana Bread** is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a carefully crafted recipe designed for maximum flavor and ease. This standout recipe works its magic by brilliantly combining the inherent sweetness and incredible moistness of perfectly ripe bananas with the deep, rich intensity of cocoa powder and an abundance of melty chocolate chips. The natural sugars and high moisture content of the bananas are crucial here, acting as a binder and ensuring the loaf remains wonderfully moist and tender, preventing any dryness often associated with baked goods.

Meanwhile, the melted chocolate chips, both folded into the batter and generously sprinkled on top, play a dual role. They contribute to the bread’s decadent chocolate flavor and, most importantly, create that coveted fudgy, almost brownie-like texture that makes every single bite an absolute delight. This unique combination elevates traditional banana bread into a truly luxurious dessert, without any complicated steps.

What truly makes this recipe a winner for busy bakers or anyone craving a quick indulgence is its simplicity. It comes together remarkably quickly using basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand, and best of all, it only requires one bowl for mixing! This minimizes cleanup and streamlines the baking process, proving that you don’t need elaborate techniques to create something spectacular. The result is an easy chocolate banana bread that tastes incredibly indulgent and sophisticated, yet is straightforward enough to whip up on a whim for a comforting breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a show-stopping dessert. Its comforting aroma filling your kitchen is just an added bonus!

Key Ingredients for Your Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This irresistible Double Chocolate Banana Bread is crafted from a selection of straightforward pantry staples, elevated by the star ingredient: ripe bananas. Each component is specifically chosen for its role in contributing to the loaf’s exceptionally moist, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey flavor profile. Understanding the function of each ingredient will help you achieve baking perfection every time:

• Bananas: The riper, the better! Overripe bananas, typically spotted with brown or even fully brown, are essential. They provide abundant natural sweetness, reducing the need for excessive added sugar, and impart crucial moisture, keeping the bread incredibly soft and tender. Don’t throw away those browning bananas – they’re perfect for this recipe!
• Cocoa Powder: We use unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve that rich, deep chocolatey base. For an even more intense, darker chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic, resulting in a smoother taste and darker color, whereas natural cocoa powder has a fruitier, slightly bitter chocolate flavor. Both work beautifully in this recipe, so choose based on your preference for chocolate intensity.
• Chocolate Chips: These are the “double” in our double chocolate banana bread! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are folded into the batter, melting into luscious gooey pockets during baking. A generous sprinkle on top ensures extra melted chocolate goodness in every slice. You can experiment with dark chocolate chips for a more sophisticated flavor or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile.
• Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar is preferred over white granulated sugar here. Its molasses content not only adds a deeper, more complex sweetness but also contributes significantly to the bread’s moistness and gives it a wonderfully soft and slightly chewy crumb. It enhances the fudgy texture, making it feel more like a brownie.
• Unsalted Butter & Cooking Oil: The combination of both butter and oil provides the best of both worlds. Butter adds a rich, luxurious flavor, while neutral cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) contributes to a consistently moist texture, ensuring the bread stays soft for days.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together and adding to the structure and richness of the bread. It also contributes to its tender crumb.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, vanilla extract beautifully complements and deepens the chocolate and banana flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note to the loaf.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our bread, providing the right balance for a tender yet sturdy loaf.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the bread its perfect rise and airy texture. Baking soda reacts with the acids in the bananas and cocoa, while baking powder provides consistent lift.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors, preventing the bread from tasting flat.

Note: For precise quantities and a full list of ingredients with measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this article.

How To Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread: A Simple Guide

Creating this delicious Double Chocolate Banana Bread is incredibly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly moist and fudgy loaf:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready, allowing for even baking. Next, generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter and a dusting of flour. For extra ease of removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. Set the prepared pan aside.

2. Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash your ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine for added texture. Then, add the slightly cooled melted butter, cooking oil, large egg, pure vanilla extract, and packed light brown sugar. Whisk all these wet ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the moist and flavorful base for your banana bread.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisking them ensures that the leavening agents and cocoa are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for a consistent rise and chocolate flavor in every bite.

4. Create the Batter: Pour the dry ingredients mixture directly into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until *just* combined. The key here is not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough and dry banana bread. A few streaks of flour are acceptable. Finally, gently fold in half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them throughout the batter.

5. Fill Pan and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining half of the chocolate chips generously over the top of the batter. This ensures a beautiful, chocolatey crust. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to maintain maximum moistness.

6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the bread to firm up slightly and prevents it from falling apart when you remove it. After this initial cooling, carefully transfer the loaf from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s tempting to slice it warm, cooling it completely allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set, resulting in the best possible slice.

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For the ultimate cozy and decadent treat, serve a warm slice alongside a steaming mug of Nutella Hot Chocolate. The rich, creamy, and intensely chocolatey drink beautifully enhances the fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor of the bread, making every bite feel extra indulgent and comforting. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, perfect for a chilly evening or a luxurious afternoon pick-me-up.

If you prefer a lighter, yet equally delightful, contrast, try serving it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy textures and lighter flavors provide a refreshing balance to the rich banana bread. For a more unexpected, gourmet twist, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Creamy Pumpkin and Spinach Soup with Crispy Bacon. The savory notes of the soup surprisingly complement the sweetness of the bread, creating a unique and balanced flavor experience that will impress your guests.

Feeling extra decadent? Serve this warm Double Chocolate Banana Bread with a slice of Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake. The tangy creaminess of the cheesecake and the vibrant fruity swirl provide a delightful counterpoint to the deep, fudgy chocolate flavor of the banana bread, creating a pairing that feels both elegant and supremely satisfying. Whether enjoyed on its own, for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sophisticated dessert, this banana bread is sure to be a hit!