why make this recipe

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines the rich taste of chocolate with the bold flavor of espresso and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and gives you a nice boost of energy from the espresso. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter.

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 :

In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed in.
Dust the chocolate chips with a bit of flour to keep them from sinking. Fold in the dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Place banana slices on top and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

how to serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is best served warm, straight from the oven or toasted. You can enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or with a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.

how to store Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

To store your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well before freezing!

tips to make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the sweetest flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your personal preference.
If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute it with instant coffee.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to achieve cleaner cuts.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Another option is to replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw and mash them before adding to the batter.

What if I don’t have any espresso powder?
You can use instant coffee as a substitute. Just make sure to mix it well with your dry ingredients.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce and the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt.