Irresistible Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, and this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is no exception. Imagine a moist, chocolatey loaf filled with warm banana goodness and rich chocolate chips melting in your mouth. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
The combination of chocolate and espresso elevates the classic banana bread to a whole new level, making every bite an indulgent experience. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Rich chocolate flavor: Each slice is bursting with deep chocolate notes that satisfy any sweet tooth.
– Easy to make: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
– Versatile treat: Enjoy it as a breakfast delight, an afternoon snack, or a dessert after dinner.
– Perfectly moist: The combination of bananas and sour cream keeps this bread wonderfully moist and tender.
– Great for sharing: With 12 servings, it’s the ideal treat to share with friends or family during gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients can be half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread:
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all purpose flour
– ¼ cup cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp espresso powder
Wet Ingredients
– 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)
Add-ins
– 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
Variations
One of the best things about baking is the freedom to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try with your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread:
– Swap the sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown and granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
– Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and texture.
– Try spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and complexity to your loaf.
– Make it gluten-free: Substitute all purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.
How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the process of making this delectable Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you pop it in.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bread once baked.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. Whisk these together until well blended. Mixing dry ingredients first ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas until smooth. It’s important to mix them well so that all flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry mixture while gently folding it together. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough blending until everything is combined.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Toss both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into your batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom while baking!
Step 7: Pour Into Pan
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange thin slices of banana on top along with a sprinkle of granulated sugar for an appealing finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; every oven can vary slightly!
Step 9: Cool Down
Once baked, allow your bread to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Cooling helps maintain its moist texture while preventing sogginess.
Enjoy every delicious slice of this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread with family or friends—or keep it all to yourself!
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
Baking can be such a delightful adventure! To ensure your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some actionable tips to keep in mind.
– Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best results.
– Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
– Measure accurately: For best results, use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to get the right amounts of flour and sugar. Baking is a science!
– Experiment with espresso powder: If you’re a coffee lover, feel free to adjust the amount of espresso powder according to your taste. A little extra can kick up that coffee flavor!
– Let it cool completely: While it’s tempting to slice into the bread right away, allowing it to cool completely will help it set and enhance its flavor.
How to Serve Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
This delicious Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes! Here are some creative ways to present it.
Garnishes
– Dust with powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch and makes it look elegant.
– Drizzle with melted chocolate: For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Side Dishes
– Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the bread.
– Greek yogurt: A dollop of yogurt on the side adds creaminess that complements the bread perfectly.
– Coffee or tea: Serve with your favorite brew for an ideal afternoon snack or breakfast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping this delicious bread means you can enjoy it anytime! Here’s how to store and preserve its delightful flavors.
Storing Leftovers
– Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid area, store it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing
– Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
– To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or warm it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
If you have any questions about making this delectable Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour; however, keep in mind that it may result in a denser texture. You might want to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for best results.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as an excellent substitute for sour cream and will still give you that creamy texture without affecting flavor.
How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter on it, give it more time in the oven.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread! It’s such a comforting treat that brings warmth and joy with every slice. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today and savor the delightful combination of chocolate and banana! Happy baking!
Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder. Whisk together until well blended.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas until smooth.
- Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry mixture while gently folding it together.
- Toss both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into your batter.
- Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange thin slices of banana on top along with a sprinkle of granulated sugar.
- Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
