Chocolate Banana Bread

I am a big fan of quick breads and this Chocolate Banana Bread might be my new favorite quick breakfast. It’s so buttery and tender with tons of banana and chocolate flavor. If you’re feeling frisky, add a cup of chocolate chips to really take it over the top.

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of banana bread—especially when it’s infused with rich cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist! This Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a buttery, tender loaf with deep chocolate flavor. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Made with simple pantry staples and fresh bananas, this bread is easy to whip up and delivers bakery-quality results every time. The cocoa powder adds a luxurious depth, while the bananas keep it perfectly sweet and tender. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Cook’s Notes

Before we get started, here’s why this Chocolate Banana Bread is a must-make:

• Freezer-Friendly – Bake a double batch and freeze one for later cravings.
• Perfect for Overripe Bananas – Got brown, mushy bananas? This recipe puts them to delicious use!
• Rich Chocolate Flavor – Cocoa powder gives this bread a deep, decadent taste without being overly sweet.
• Easy to Make – No fancy techniques or equipment needed—just mix, pour, and bake!
• Versatile – Enjoy it plain, with nuts, or even chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Banana Bread

Gather these simple ingredients and a 9x5x3 loaf pan to make the best Chocolate Banana Bread:

• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Eggs
• All Purpose Flour
• Cocoa Powder (Dutch-process or natural)
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder
• Overripe Bananas
• Sour Cream
• Vanilla Extract
• Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts

Find the printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions below.

Tips for Storing

To keep your Chocolate Banana Bread fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Slice and wrap individual portions in plastic, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
• Reviving Stale Bread: A quick 10-second zap in the microwave or a light toast brings back moisture.

More Banana Recipes We Love

• Banana Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
• One Bowl Banana Bread
• Banana Bread Muffins
• Whole Wheat Banana Muffins
• Buckwheat Hoe Cakes with Fresh Banana

Chocolate Banana Bread

Heather Scholten

This Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, transforming them into a moist, tender loaf with deep chocolate flavor. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review recipe

Yield: 10 Servings

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cooling Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Equipment

• 1 9x5x3 Loaf Pan

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ½ cup butter
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, light or dark
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder, Dutch process or natural
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup mashed banana, about 3
• 1 banana, split lengthwise, optional
• ½ sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Butter or grease a 9x5x3 loaf pan. Set aside.
• Cream butter and sugars together until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well.
• Sift dry ingredients together and add to butter mixture, just until combined. Add mashed banana, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
• Pour into prepared pan and top with split banana. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before cutting.

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Show Us What You made!If you make this recipe, we’d love to see a your pic on Instagram! Tag us with #farmgirlgourmet so we can see!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Bread is the ultimate treat—easy to make, irresistibly moist, and packed with rich chocolate flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a swirl of peanut butter, a handful of walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra decadence.

Happy baking! 🍫🍌

Recipe By:

Heather Scholten

Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…

Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.

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