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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
- Fold in Bananas: Gently mash the ripe bananas and fold them into the wet mixture with care to retain some texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top for garnish.
- Optional Banana Topping: Place two long, thin slices of banana lengthwise on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly for an attractive finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: dessert, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American