Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. It combines the rich flavors of chocolate and espresso with the sweetness of ripe bananas. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. Plus, it’s moist and fluffy, making it a favorite among family and friends. If you love chocolate and bananas, this recipe is a must-try!

How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp espresso powder
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + a few extra for the top
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)
• ¼ banana (2 long thin slices off of a banana)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar

Directions

1. 
   

   Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. Mix well and set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Then, add the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix the dry into the wet: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Gently fold in the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are well-distributed.

   
   
4. 
   

   Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Dust the extra chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top. Place the thin banana slices on top and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

   
   

How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is delicious on its own or served warm with a pat of butter. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s great for breakfast or as a snack!

How to Store Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you are ready to enjoy it.

Tips to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
• Use quality chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender.
• Feel free to add nuts or other types of chocolate if you want to add extra texture and flavor.

Variation

You can add a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can leave it out or substitute it with instant coffee for a similar flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and mash them before using.

2. How can I tell when the banana bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes to bake.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that can be used for baking.

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