Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread – Rich, Moist & Perfectly Flavored

Nothing beats the combination of rich chocolate, bold espresso, and naturally sweet bananas in a moist, delicious loaf. This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is the perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. With its deep flavors and irresistibly soft texture, this homemade banana bread will quickly become your favorite baked good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors – The combination of chocolate, espresso, and banana creates an indulgent taste experience.
• Moist and tender – Thanks to the sour cream or Greek yogurt, this banana bread stays soft and moist for days.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick steps make this a foolproof recipe for any baker.
• Perfect for coffee lovers – The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a slight coffee kick.

Ingredients for Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

For the Banana Bread:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Provides a rich, buttery flavor.
• ¾ cup brown sugar – Gives the bread a deep caramel-like sweetness.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder – Deepens the chocolate taste and adds a slight coffee aroma.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Creates the perfect bread structure.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise properly.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• ¾ cup chocolate chips – Adds extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

2. Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve warm with a spread of butter or peanut butter.
2. Pair with a cup of hot coffee or milk for an indulgent treat.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

• Use overripe bananas – The darker and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread.
• Do not overmix the batter – Overmixing can result in dense banana bread instead of a light and tender texture.
• Measure ingredients accurately – Too much flour can make the bread dry, while too much banana can make it too wet.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder – A good unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing – This helps retain its moisture and makes slicing easier.

FAQs About Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

1. Can I substitute the espresso powder?

Yes! If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee granules or omit it altogether, though the flavor depth may be slightly reduced.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.

3. How do I store banana bread?

Store banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread?

Yes! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

5. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be added for a crunchy texture.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is the perfect fusion of rich chocolate, bold espresso, and naturally sweet bananas. It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to impress, this banana bread will never disappoint. Try it today and enjoy a bakery-quality treat right at home!

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