Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread (Printable View)

Rich and moist banana bread infused with bold espresso and decadent dark chocolate.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 tsp baking soda
04 - ½ tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3 ripe bananas, mashed
06 - ½ cup granulated sugar
07 - ¼ cup light brown sugar
08 - ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp brewed espresso, cooled
11 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

→ Add-ins

12 - ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
13 - extra chocolate chips for topping, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Combine mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until well blended.
04 - Beat in eggs, espresso, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
05 - Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
06 - Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
07 - Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the surface and sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired.
08 - Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
09 - Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The espresso deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee
  • My toddler asked for seconds and then requested it for breakfast three days straight
  • The texture stays incredibly moist for days thanks to those ripe bananas
02 -
  • Overmixing after adding flour makes bread tough, stop as soon as you no longer see dry pockets
  • The center continues cooking while cooling so remove it while slightly underdone for best texture
  • Let it cool the full 10 minutes in the pan or the bottom may tear when you try to lift it out
03 -
  • Use a light colored pan to prevent the edges from overbaking before the center finishes
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the melted butter from seizing when mixed

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