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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe

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3.8 from 5 reviews

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines rich cocoa and espresso flavors with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips in every bite. Moist and decadent, it’s a perfect dessert or snack that delivers a comforting yet sophisticated twist on classic banana bread.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon espresso powder

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed

Add-Ins

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for topping
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for topping
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)

Optional Topping

  • ¼ banana, 2 long thin slices
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside all ingredients within reach.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, blend the olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the wet mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition to ensure even mixing. Mix each egg just until incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
  6. Fold in Bananas: Gently mash the ripe bananas and fold them into the wet mixture with care to retain some texture.
  7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture just until almost fully combined. It’s fine if a few streaks of flour remain to avoid overmixing.
  8. Prepare Chocolate Chips: Reserve a handful of chocolate chips for topping. Toss the remaining chips in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour to prevent sinking, then fold them gently into the batter.
  9. Assemble Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top for garnish.
  10. Optional Banana Topping: Place two long, thin slices of banana lengthwise on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly for an attractive finish.
  11. Bake: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  12. Optional Brûlée Topping: If using banana slices on top, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over them after baking and use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, darkened crust.
  13. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy this rich, chocolate-espresso banana bread!

Notes

  • Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste.
  • Tossing chocolate chips in flour helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread instead of sinking.
  • Using ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
  • Olive oil can be substituted with another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for a lighter taste.
  • The optional brûléed banana topping adds a caramelized sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: dessert, snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American