Banana bread chocolate

Featured in Fresh bread hot from the oven.

This easy banana bread blends ripe bananas’ sweetness, rich cocoa, and melty chocolate bits, all topped with a nutty crunch. Preheat your oven, mix wet and dry ingredients, then bring them together into a smooth batter. Once baked, you’ll have a fragrant, irresistible bread—great for breakfast or snacks. Store it in the fridge or freezer for longer-lasting portions. Perfect for any treat-filled moment!

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:16:07 GMT
Banana bread with chocolate and nuts Pin it
Banana bread with chocolate and nuts | tastyhush.com

This chocolate banana loaf turned into my go-to treat for getting rid of overripe bananas. All my friends grin when I bring it out. When chocolate and banana come together, you get that awesome mix of sweet and rich.

I've been whipping up this chocolate bread pretty much monthly for five years now. Tweaked it along the way, but this combo makes even my picky eaters happy.

Tasty Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: Toss in a cup for the bread to hold its shape
  • Cocoa powder: Go with half a cup of good stuff for bold chocolate flavor
  • Baking powder: Two small spoons so it fluffs up nicely
  • Salt: Half a teaspoon evens out the sweet flavors
  • Mashed bananas: One and a half cups—grab the black-spotted ones for max sweetness
  • Egg: Just one big one to help everything stick together
  • Melted butter: Quarter cup adds richness and taste
  • Vegetable oil: Quarter cup keeps it soft for days
  • Brown sugar: A full cup for that caramel-y, deep flavor
  • Vanilla extract: A teaspoon to boost all the scents
  • Chocolate chips: Use a whole cup—better chocolate makes a better bite
  • Walnuts: Half a cup for some crunch, totally optional but awesome if you add it

Step-by-Step Directions

Nail the baking pan first:
Crank your oven up to 350°F, spread plenty of grease in your pan, and set it up so nothing sticks later on.
Toss in the toppers:
Gently stir in about three-quarters of your chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts. Save some chocolate chips for the very top.
Mix up the two bowls:
Add your dry mix slowly into the wet stuff and barely blend it all together. Don't go overboard or your bread gets heavy.
Kick off with the dry crew:
Mix flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder good in a medium bowl. This spreads everything out evenly and cuts down on lumps.
Wet ingredients party:
In a bigger bowl, mash bananas until they're super smooth. Dump in melted butter, oil, egg, and vanilla—stir so it all blends. The warm butter really makes the vanilla pop.
Sugar time:
Pour brown sugar into your wet mixture and give it a good mix until it totally disappears. Brown sugar makes it rich and almost caramel-y.
Getting it ready to bake:
Spoon your batter into the greased pan, toss the extra chocolate chips on top, and get ready to bake.
Bake it just right:
Let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes, but check it starting at 50 with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with just little crumbs, you're good to go.

This banana chocolate bread has saved many last-minute meals at my place. I always keep frozen bananas handy so I can whip this up fast. The chocolate is deep, and the bananas bring that perfect sweetness. Everyone loves it.

Storing and Freezing

This loaf holds up really well. Wrap it in foil or seal it in a tight container and it stays fresh on the counter for three days, or five in the fridge. Want to keep it longer? Let it cool, slice it up, and freeze the pieces. Then grab one whenever you want—just let it sit out for half an hour or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Soft chocolate banana bread with walnuts Pin it
Soft chocolate banana bread with walnuts | tastyhush.com

Fun Twists

No need to stick to the usual. Trade out walnuts for hazelnuts or almonds and see what you like. Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom for something warm and spicy. Want to go big? Drop in caramel chunks or a big spoon of peanut butter before baking. Swap a quarter of the flour for almond flour if you want a really rich bite.

Perfect Pairings

Have a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a killer dessert. For breakfast, smear on some cream cheese or peanut butter. It goes fantastic with bold coffee or black tea. For special days, try drizzling over homemade caramel sauce and topping with fresh strawberries.

Pro Tips

  • Pick super ripe bananas with dark spots for the sweetest flavor and best aroma.
  • Don't overmix after the dry stuff—leaving a few lumps keeps it from turning tough.
  • For easy removal, let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then move it to a rack to finish cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this bread softer?

Add plain yogurt, a splash of milk, or some applesauce for extra softness.

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw them first and mash them up—they work perfectly for this.

→ What can I use instead of walnuts?

Go for hazelnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you prefer a nut-free option.

→ How long will this bread stay fresh?

Keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months to extend freshness.

→ Is it possible to cut back on sugar?

Of course! Reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup and use extra banana for a natural sweetness boost.

Banana bread chocolate

Fluffy banana bread with cocoa, chocolate, and nuts.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French style

Yield: 10 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry mix

01 1/2 teaspoon of salt
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 125 ml cocoa powder
04 250 ml flour

→ Wet mix

05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 65 ml melted butter
07 65 ml vegetable oil
08 1 large egg
09 1.5 cups mashed bananas (around 3 bananas)

→ Extra goodies

10 250 ml brown sugar
11 125 ml roughly chopped walnuts
12 250 ml semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 175°C and let it heat up.

Step 02

Coat a 23 x 13 cm loaf pan with oil evenly.

Step 03

Mix the cocoa, salt, flour, and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Put aside.

Step 04

Use a fork to mash the bananas in a big bowl. Toss in the butter, oil, vanilla, and egg. Stir it well.

Step 05

Add the brown sugar to the wet mixture and mix it in.

Step 06

Pour the dry mix into the wet one. Stir softly, just enough to bring it together without overworking.

Step 07

Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips and the walnuts. Don’t stir too much.

Step 08

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Scatter the leftover chocolate chips on top.

Step 09

Pop it in the oven for 50-60 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick in the middle comes out clean.

Step 10

Let it cool down before cutting. Refrigerate leftovers or freeze them.

Notes

  1. Don’t overmix the batter to keep it soft and tender.
  2. Super ripe bananas bring out the best flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • 23 x 13 cm loaf pan
  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Spatula or spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has gluten
  • Contains dairy products
  • May have nut traces

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 5 g