Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Rich, moist, and packed with bold flavor, this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a game-changer for banana bread lovers. Ripe bananas, dark cocoa, melty chocolate chips, and a hint of espresso come together in one incredibly satisfying loaf. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a late-night indulgence, this recipe delivers comfort with a gourmet twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deep, Rich Flavor – Cocoa and espresso enhance the banana beautifully.
Extra Moist – Thanks to ripe bananas and just the right amount of oil.
One Bowl Wonder – Simple and minimal cleanup.
Perfect Anytime – Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Freezer-Friendly – Make one now and save one for later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder (or instant coffee)

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• ¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk or spatula
• Loaf pan (8.5×4.5 or 9×5 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
4. In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
5. Add sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter
6. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

Step 5: Bake
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
10. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Slice & Serve
12. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
13. Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
Use Ripe Bananas – The darker, the better for sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Espresso – It deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Don’t Overmix – Gently combine for a tender crumb.
Check Early – Every oven is different; start checking at 50 minutes.
Cool Before Slicing – Warm bread may crumble if sliced too soon.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee: A natural pairing—espresso on espresso!
• As Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Toasted: Warm slices in a pan with butter for a decadent breakfast.
• On the Go: Wrap slices for a travel-friendly snack.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: 15–20 seconds per slice.
• Oven: Rewarm at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I skip the espresso powder?
   Yes, but it really enhances the chocolate. You can also use instant coffee or omit entirely.
2. Can I make it vegan?
   Yes—replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil and chocolate.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Partially—replace up to half with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
4. Can I use butter instead of oil?
   Absolutely. Melted butter adds a richer flavor but may make the loaf slightly denser.
5. Can I make muffins instead?
   Yes—divide into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a rich, indulgent twist on the classic. With bold flavor, moist texture, and a hint of gourmet flair, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake on repeat. Whether shared or enjoyed solo with a warm cup of coffee, every bite delivers deep satisfaction.

Try it once, and it might just become your go-to banana bread recipe!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 10):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Sodium: 180mg

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