Chocolate Banana Bread (Ultra Moist, Rich & Fudgy)

Chocolate banana bread is what happens when classic banana bread meets a rich chocolate loaf and the result is pure comfort. It’s deep, chocolatey, soft, and incredibly moist, with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas balancing the cocoa perfectly. This is the kind of bake that feels indulgent but still wholesome enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Unlike dry chocolate loaves, this recipe stays soft for days and has a fudgy texture without being heavy. The bananas add moisture and depth, while cocoa powder and chocolate chips bring bold chocolate flavor in every bite.

This recipe is easy, beginner-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients. No mixer needed just one bowl, a loaf pan, and a little patience while your kitchen fills with the smell of chocolate and bananas.

Let’s bake the perfect chocolate banana bread, step by step.

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Why This Chocolate Banana Bread Works

• Very ripe bananas add moisture and natural sweetness
• Cocoa powder gives deep chocolate flavor
• Brown sugar keeps the loaf soft and rich
• Oil or melted butter prevents dryness
• Gentle mixing creates a tender crumb

Key Tip: The riper the bananas, the richer and moister the loaf.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas (very soft)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• ¾ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions (With Image Prompts)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 170°C / 340°F. Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper over the sides for easy removal.

This helps keep the loaf intact and prevents sticking.

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Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Add the ripe bananas to a large bowl and mash them with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.

Do not over-mash—texture improves flavor.

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Step 3: Add Oil or Melted Butter

Pour the oil or melted butter into the mashed bananas and stir until well combined.

This step is crucial for a moist, tender loaf.

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Step 4: Mix in Sugar, Eggs & Vanilla

Add the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and slightly creamy.

Brown sugar enhances chocolate flavor and moisture.

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Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed.

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Step 6: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula.

• Mix just until combined
• Do NOT overmix

Overmixing makes the bread dense instead of soft.

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Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold chocolate chips into the batter evenly. Save a few to sprinkle on top.

This adds extra richness and texture.

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Step 8: Pour Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle extra chocolate chips if desired.

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Step 9: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.

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Step 10: Cool Completely

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using parchment paper and cool fully on a wire rack.

Important: Cooling allows the chocolate crumb to set properly.

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Step 11: Slice & Serve

Slice once fully cooled. Enjoy plain or with butter for extra indulgence.

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How to Know Your Chocolate Banana Bread Is Perfect

• Moist, fudgy interior
• Rich chocolate aroma
• Soft but sliceable texture
• Evenly baked center

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using underripe bananas
❌ Overmixing the batter
❌ Baking at high temperature
❌ Cutting while hot

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Easy Variations You Can Try

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Use dark chocolate chunks
• Add a pinch of espresso powder
• Swirl peanut butter on top

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Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze slices individually for 2 months

This loaf stays moist even after freezing.

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Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Bread is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect way to use ripe bananas and satisfy chocolate cravings in one simple bake.

Once you make it, it will quickly become one of your most-requested recipes 🍫🍌💛

Also read on Gluten-Free Banana Bread