Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a decadent yet wholesome loaf that infuses the rich flavors of coffee and dark chocolate with moist, naturally sweetened banana bread. If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or bland breakfast options, this recipe provides a soft, aromatic delight perfect for mornings, snacks, or dessert.

At dishfoody.com, recipes are crafted to inspire and simplify your cooking journey with flavor-packed dishes you can feel good about. This article will highlight why this recipe works, selecting the best ingredients, preparation tips, detailed step-by-step instructions, expert advice, flavor variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs.

Why This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe Works

• Uses simple, affordable ingredients like ripe bananas, cocoa, and espresso powder
• Balances sweetness and bitterness for a complex, rich flavor
• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for breakfast or dessert

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Ripe, spotted bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Dutch-processed cocoa offers a deeper chocolate taste. Freshly brewed espresso or fine instant espresso powder adds a warming coffee aroma.

Buying Tips

Select bananas that are heavily speckled or fully ripe for best flavor and texture. Use quality dark chocolate chips or chunks and fresh spices.

Substitutions

Use coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free, and plant-based milk alternatives as needed.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 overripe bananas, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or 1/4 cup cooled brewed espresso
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Cooking Method

1. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and mashed bananas.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
7. Let cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Doneness Check

Loaf should be risen, springy to the touch, and a toothpick should emerge mostly clean.

Resting

Cool fully for best texture and ease of slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas for maximum moisture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix batter to keep bread tender.
• Brown butter slightly for deeper, nutty flavor.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Spicy Twist

Add cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne for warm spice notes.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour and sugar substitutes with coconut oil.

Global Flavors

• Italian: Incorporate espresso and amaretti crumbs.
• Mexican: Add cinnamon and chili powder for heat.
• French: Mix with orange zest and espresso.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Serve with a cup of coffee or espresso for an indulgent breakfast. Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a dessert.

FAQs for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

• Can I freeze this bread? Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
• How do I keep it moist? Use ripe bananas and don’t overbake.
• Is this recipe friendly for kids? Yes, mild coffee flavor and rich chocolate make it appealing.

Conclusion

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread blends classic comfort with gourmet coffee and chocolate flavors for a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and endlessly delicious, it’s a must-try recipe for your collection. Discover more at dishfoody.com and try our Festive Christmas Bread next!

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Print Recipe

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a moist, rich, and decadent twist on classic banana bread infused with deep espresso flavor and melty chocolate chunks. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up!

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
• 2. In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, espresso powder, and vanilla until smooth.
• 3. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• 4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
• 5. Fold in sour cream and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
• 6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• 7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
• 8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For extra coffee flavor, drizzle with espresso glaze or top with a sprinkle of espresso powder before baking.
• Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This bread also freezes beautifully perfect for meal prep or gifting!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: chocolate espresso banana bread, mocha banana bread, banana bread with coffee, chocolate banana loaf