There is something irresistibly comforting about the combination of chocolate, coffee, and banana in a single loaf. This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe perfectly balances the rich cocoa and bold espresso notes with the natural sweetness and moistness of ripe bananas. It’s a fabulous twist on classic banana bread that’s perfect for morning treats, afternoon snacks, or even dessert. Every bite delivers a complex flavor that feels indulgent yet homey, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to bake again and again for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a simple lineup of everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from lending sweetness and moisture to infusing the loaf with deep, layered flavors and a tender crumb.
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed): The heart of the bread, providing natural sweetness and moisture to keep the loaf soft and chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness, adding a fine texture to the crumb without overpowering the banana flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Offers a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture for richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Creates a tender, buttery texture that enhances every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the loaf.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundational ingredient giving the bread its structure.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate taste and deep color.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly, resulting in a light but dense texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder: Infuses a lovely coffee undertone that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional): Adds bursts of melty chocolate throughout the loaf for extra indulgence.
How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F so it has ample time to reach the perfect baking temperature. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your banana bread releases effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter, stirring well to combine. The sugars dissolve into the bananas and butter, creating a luscious base. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and fully incorporated.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and coffee flavor throughout the batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. The batter should look thick and luscious, with streaks of cocoa and espresso weaving through.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top. These chips add delightful pockets of melty chocolate that elevate each slice.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for a pretty, chocolate-studded crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, which helps it firm up slightly and makes slicing easier. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for the perfect texture and flavor development.
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds elegance to your slices. For an extra pop of texture and flavor, sprinkle finely chopped toasted nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
Side Dishes
This banana bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a dessert feel. If serving at breakfast or brunch, add fresh berries or a side of creamy yogurt to balance the rich flavors and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat anyone will rave about. You can also cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and skewer them as part of a dessert fondue platter. Another fun idea is to toast slices and spread with cream cheese or nut butter for a satisfying snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the leftover loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring back the freshly baked feel, warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly. If frozen, allow the bread to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use regular brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder?
Instant espresso powder is preferred because it’s dry and disperses evenly throughout the batter, while brewed espresso would add excess moisture and could alter the texture. If you want to use brewed espresso, reduce other liquids accordingly and be mindful of the overall batter consistency.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
You can chop regular chocolate chips or a chocolate bar into small pieces and fold them into the batter. This will give similar melty pockets of chocolate with a slightly different texture.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas with mostly blackened peels and soft, fragrant flesh. The natural sugars are more concentrated, contributing to deeper sweetness and moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg equivalents, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How much espresso flavor does this bread have?
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe offers a subtle but distinct coffee note that enhances the chocolate without overpowering the banana. If you want a more intense espresso kick, you can increase the instant espresso powder up to 1.5 tablespoons.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe is such a wonderful way to elevate classic banana bread with rich, complex flavors that feel special yet approachable. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a chocolate fanatic, this loaf will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. I truly hope you enjoy every warm, chocolatey, espresso-infused bite as much as I do—happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful twist on classic banana bread, combining the rich taste of cocoa and the bold kick of espresso powder. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, it features a tender crumb studded with mini chocolate chips and a deep mocha flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
Additional
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the banana mixture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso powder.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and top batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a stronger espresso flavor, increase the instant espresso powder to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- This banana bread freezes well — wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
