The Best Double Chocolate Banana Bread You’ll Ever Bake

There’s something magical about the smell of banana bread wafting through the kitchen, but when you add a double dose of chocolate, it transforms into pure comfort food bliss. This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the kind of treat that makes an ordinary afternoon feel special. I first started making it as a way to use up spotty bananas, but now I look forward to them going overripe just so I can bake this. Rich, moist, and loaded with melty chocolate chips—it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull together.

Banana bread has always been one of those recipes that sparks nostalgia. Maybe it’s because nearly everyone has a memory tied to it—whether it was a family recipe or the first loaf you learned to bake on your own. Adding chocolate makes it extra cozy and perfect for sharing. If you love baking with bananas, you might also enjoy exploring other creative twists, like chocolate swirl muffins that take the same flavors in a new direction. But for now, let’s dive into this luscious double chocolate version—it’s sure to become your new favorite.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich, fudgy loaf. I’ve added quick tips for each ingredient so you know exactly why it matters and how to get the best results.

Bananas (3 large, very ripe)

The riper, the better! Spotty brown bananas are naturally sweeter and give the bread its moist texture.

All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups)

The base of the recipe. Spoon and level your flour (don’t scoop directly from the bag) to avoid a dense loaf.

Cocoa Powder (½ cup)

Unsweetened cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Dutch-processed cocoa will give an even richer color.

Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)

Helps the bread rise and stay light, even with the dense bananas.

Salt (½ teaspoon)

A little salt enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the loaf from tasting flat.

Coconut Oil (⅓ cup, melted)

Keeps the bread extra moist. You can substitute with melted butter or neutral oil if you prefer.

Brown Sugar (½ cup)

Adds a caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the loaf soft. Light or dark brown sugar both work.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

Brings all the flavors together with a warm, bakery-style aroma.

Plant-Based Milk (¼ cup)

A splash of almond, oat, or soy milk helps loosen the batter. Any milk you have on hand will do.

Chocolate Chips (1 cup)

The star of the show! Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for melty pockets throughout the loaf. Reserve a small handful to sprinkle on top before baking.

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This recipe is super simple to follow, but the magic is in the little details. Follow along and you’ll have a moist, chocolatey loaf ready in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine—they add texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk. Whisk until everything is well combined and glossy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the cocoa from clumping and ensures the bread rises evenly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula—don’t overmix, or your bread could turn out dense. You’re looking for a thick but smooth batter.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a small handful to sprinkle on top. This guarantees melty bits inside every slice.

Step 7: Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top, then sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few chocolate smudges are okay!).

Step 8: Cool & Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Once it’s fully cooled, slice thick pieces and enjoy with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Tips & Variations

One of the best parts of banana bread is how customizable it can be. Here are some ideas to help you make this loaf your own:

Flavor Boosters

• Espresso powder: Add 1 teaspoon to the dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the bread a warm, cozy twist.

Mix-In Ideas

• Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy bite.
• Berries: Fresh or frozen raspberries pair beautifully with the chocolate for a tart-sweet balance.
• Shredded coconut: Add ¼ cup for a tropical flair.

Ingredient Swaps

• Flour: Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Sugar: Swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Oil: Use applesauce in place of coconut oil for a lighter version.

Storage & Freezing

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Slice the loaf, wrap pieces individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or toaster oven when ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but a few extra touches can take it from simple snack to full-on treat. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

Everyday Enjoyment

• With coffee or tea: A warm slice pairs perfectly with your morning latte or afternoon tea.
• To-go snack: Wrap up a slice and tuck it into a lunchbox or bag for an easy pick-me-up.

Dessert Style

• With ice cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla or coconut milk ice cream for a fudgy, brownie-like dessert.
• Drizzle on top: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter, almond butter, or even a touch of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.

Elevated Presentation

• Fruit pairing: Plate slices with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream (dairy or non-dairy) turns this loaf into a dinner-party-worthy dessert.

This bread is so versatile that it works just as well for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a late-night chocolate fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be rich and chocolatey.

How long does this banana bread stay fresh?

At room temperature, it keeps well for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. If you refrigerate it, you’ll get about a week of freshness.

Can I freeze Double Chocolate Banana Bread?

Absolutely. Slice the loaf, wrap each piece tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just pop a slice in the microwave or toaster oven to reheat.

Do I have to use coconut oil?

Nope! You can use melted butter, olive oil, or even applesauce for a lighter version. Each option will give a slightly different texture, but all work well.

What’s the best cocoa powder to use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa works perfectly, but Dutch-processed cocoa will give your bread a deeper color and more intense chocolate flavor.

Can I turn this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes. You’ll have portable, fudgy banana chocolate muffins in no time.

Final Thoughts

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake—rich, moist, and loaded with melty chocolate in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat, whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or simply to use up those ripe bananas on the counter. With a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a loaf that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

If you’re looking to expand your baking adventures, you might also enjoy browsing tips for better quick breads to help perfect every loaf you try. But honestly? This one’s already a keeper. Slice it thick, serve it warm, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you expect.