Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Created on December 1st, 2025 at 01:08 pm

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, robust espresso, and sweet bananas. The moment you pull it from the oven, the warm, inviting aroma fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. The bread boasts a deep, chocolatey color with glossy flecks of melted chocolate peeking through, promising a treat that is as delectable as it is beautiful. The crust is wonderfully soft, while the center is moist and tender, creating a symphony of textures that dance on your palate. Each slice is a perfect balance of sweet and bitter notes, with the dark chocolate and espresso enhancing the naturally sweet banana flavor.

As you take your first bite, the flavors unfold harmoniously, warming your heart with memories of baking on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing laughter over a cup of coffee. The bread is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual breakfast, a midday snack, or a delightful dessert to share with family and friends.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Kitchen Utensils

To create this delicious loaf, you’ll need a few key tools: a mixing bowl, a loaf pan, a whisk, a spatula, and measuring cups. These common kitchen utensils help ensure accurate measurements and efficient mixing, making your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. A good loaf pan will ensure even cooking and a beautifully shaped bread, while a mixing bowl allows for easy incorporation of ingredients.

A Delicious Family Tradition

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread has become a cherished family favorite in our household. It began one rainy afternoon when my daughter and I found some overly ripe bananas on the counter. We decided to bake together, drawing from the many memorable moments spent in the kitchen with my own mother. As we mashed the bananas and measured the cocoa, the laughter and joy flowed freely.

Over the years, I’ve adapted this simple recipe to include espresso powder, adding an adult twist that surprised and delighted the whole family. This bread has become our go-to dish for brunches and potlucks. Each loaf carries with it the warmth of family gatherings, fragrant memories, and the spirit of baking together. Now, every time I pull a loaf from the oven, I’m reminded of those sweet moments, and I can’t wait to share it with friends and loved ones.

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

Instructions

The baking experience begins with the promise of something wonderful. As you gather your ingredients, the rich smell of cocoa powder will awaken your senses, while ripe bananas await their turn. With every measure and mix, the kitchen fills with warmth and anticipation. The elegance of the ingredients comes together delightfully; the glossy olive oil blends with the sugars to create a beautiful mixture, while mashed bananas add a velvety texture. The smell of chocolate wafts through the air as you gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, their glossy surfaces shimmering in the light.

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.
2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Then, fold in the mashed bananas.
3. Mixing the dry into the wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Dust the chocolate chips with the extra flour and fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange the banana slices on top and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a nice crust.

Tips & Substitutions

• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Swap olive oil for melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips can be replaced with white chocolate for a different taste sensation.
• If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar slightly or use unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Make Ahead

To keep your Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread fresh, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, this bread freezes beautifully. Just slice it after cooling and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a ziplock bag. Thaw individual slices in the microwave or at room temperature for a quick treat.

For making ahead, you can prepare the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. This way, you can have a quick and simple baking session whenever the craving strikes.

FAQ

Can I substitute bananas with applesauce?
Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute, but it may change the flavor profile slightly.

How can I tell if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this in a mini loaf pan?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to around 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness.

A Cozy Farewell

As you embark on the journey of baking Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread, relish the moments spent in the kitchen and the joyful anticipation of sharing it with loved ones. This bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, aromas, and cherished memories. Don’t forget to save, share, or cook this delightful dish in your home. Happy cooking!

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

A delightful fusion of rich chocolate, robust espresso, and sweet bananas, creating a moist and tender loaf perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp espresso powder
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 pieces eggs (room temp)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips plus a few extra for the top
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus a few extra for the top
• ¼ banana (2 long thin slices off of a banana)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

 

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder until well combined.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix in the eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Then, fold in the mashed bananas.

Combining Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
• Dust the chocolate chips with the extra flour and fold them into the batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Arrange the banana slices on top and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a nice crust.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Swap olive oil for melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness and tropical flavor. Dark chocolate chips can be replaced with white chocolate for a different taste sensation. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar slightly or use unsweetened cocoa powder. Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor. To keep the bread fresh, store it wrapped at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully.

Keyword Baking, Banana Bread, Chocolate, Dessert, Espresso