If you’re on the hunt for a decadent yet wholesome treat that wakes up your taste buds and comforts your soul, this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the rich depth of espresso with luscious chocolate and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, every bite is a perfect balance of bold and sweet. Whether you want a cozy breakfast, an indulgent snack, or a conversation-starting dessert, this banana bread delivers with a moist crumb, a subtle coffee kick, and melty pockets of chocolate happiness. Let me take you through this irresistible recipe that turns humble pantry staples into absolute magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe requires ingredients that are simple yet essential, each playing a unique role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the flour that forms the sturdy yet tender base to the espresso powder that gives that nuanced coffee note, every element is crucial.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and softness.
- ¼ cup cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a rich color that makes every slice inviting.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bread its lightness and rise for a perfect crumb.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and chocolate notes, balancing the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder: A little magic that perks up the chocolate with an irresistible coffee essence.
- ½ cup olive oil: Keeps the bread moist and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Imparts a warm, caramel-like sweetness vital for depth.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Brings a subtle crunch and balances the molasses in brown sugar.
- 2 eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet fragrance that complements both banana and chocolate.
- ½ cup sour cream: Provides moisture and tender crumb with a slight tang.
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed: The star ingredient adds natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture.
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for the top: Creates pockets of bittersweet chocolate surprise in every slice.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for the top: Balances sweetness and texture beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for dusting chocolate chips: Helps keep the chips suspended evenly throughout the bread.
How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven reaches the perfect temperature for an even bake. Grease your loaf pan to prevent sticking, so your bread comes out with a lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. This blend of dry ingredients forms the flavorful base and the lift your bread needs.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir olive oil with both sugars until well blended. Beat in eggs one at a time, then fold in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas. The bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture, while the sour cream adds a luscious tanginess that makes the crumb tender.
Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet bowl, stirring gently just until everything comes together. It’s important not to overmix here to keep your bread tender and light, avoiding any toughness from extra gluten development.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Toss your dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips with the tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking. Then fold them delicately into the batter, ensuring chocolatey pockets throughout every slice.
Step 6: Bake the Banana Bread
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top and sprinkling a few extra chocolate chips on the surface for a beautiful finish. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling your bread is perfectly cooked through.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; this settling time helps it hold together. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely so you can capture every nuance of flavor and texture in each delicious slice.
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your slices, try dusting with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts brings delightful texture and elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair this bread with a steaming mug of coffee or your favorite tea for a perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up. A fresh fruit salad or a smear of nut butter can round out the experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve thick slices toasted with a smear of cream cheese or mascarpone for a luxurious twist. Mini slices paired with espresso shots can create an irresistible dessert platter that impresses guests effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will help maintain moisture and keep the flavors vibrant.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread first, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing any of its wonderful chocolate espresso goodness.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and to enhance the melting of the chocolate chips within.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
Espresso powder is concentrated and dissolves easily, giving a subtle yet rich coffee flavor without changing the texture. Instant coffee granules are less intense and can make your bread grainy, so espresso powder is preferred for best results.
What type of bananas work best for this recipe?
Use bananas that are very ripe with brown spots because the natural sugars are at their peak, imparting maximum sweetness and moisture to your bread.
Is olive oil necessary or can I use butter?
Olive oil keeps the bread moist with a slight fruity note and a tender crumb. Butter can be used but may change the texture slightly and create a denser loaf.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum can work, but results may vary. You might need to adjust baking times and check for doneness accordingly.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Test by inserting a toothpick or thin skewer in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe marries the beloved flavors of banana, chocolate, and espresso into one unforgettable loaf. Every slice feels like a warm hug and a little celebration all at once. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will become your go-to treat whenever you crave comfort with a dash of espresso sparkle.
Print
Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of cocoa and espresso with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Enhanced with olive oil for moisture and layered with two types of chocolate chips, this loaf offers a decadent twist on classic banana bread. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)
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
Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the banana bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Toss the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips with the tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter evenly.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter into it, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for garnish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Dusting chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- Check for doneness after 55 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens can vary.
- Room temperature eggs help achieve a smoother batter and better rise.
- Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the bread’s texture and flavor.
