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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of cocoa and espresso with moist ripe bananas for a decadent twist on a classic treat. The bread is studded with both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent, chocolatey bite in every slice. Finished with a caramelized sugar-brûléed banana topping, this loaf is perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

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 temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ripe bananas (mashed)

Chocolate and Toppings

  • 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 (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and gather all your ingredients so they’re ready for use.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder until well combined. Set this aside.
  3. Combine the wet ingredients: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl just until smooth.
  4. Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition, mixing just until fully incorporated to ensure even texture.
  5. Incorporate vanilla and sour cream: Add the vanilla extract and sour cream to the mixture and mix again until everything is evenly combined.
  6. Fold in mashed bananas: Mash the ripe bananas well and fold them gently into the wet ingredient mixture until combined.
  7. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until almost fully incorporated. It’s fine to have a few streaks of flour remaining – overmixing can toughen the bread.
  8. Prepare chocolate chips: Reserve a handful of chocolate chips for the top of the loaf. Toss the remaining chocolate chips with the tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, shake off excess flour, and fold them into the batter.
  9. Transfer batter: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, then sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the top.
  10. Optional banana topping: Place the two thin banana slices lengthwise on top of the batter, pressing down slightly to embed them gently.
  11. Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Remove from the oven once done.
  12. Sugar brûlée topping (optional): Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of granulated sugar over the banana slices and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until melted and slightly crisp. The sugar will darken nearly black.
  13. Cool and serve: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy this decadent chocolate espresso banana bread!

Notes

  • You can substitute olive oil with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
  • Room temperature eggs help incorporate air for a fluffier texture.
  • Using espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without imparting strong coffee taste.
  • Dusting chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
  • The sugar brûlée topping is optional but adds a delightful caramel flavor and crunchy texture.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Ensure bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and moist crumb.

Keywords: Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread, Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Banana Bread, Moist Banana Bread, Espresso Banana Bread, Homemade Banana Bread

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/chocolate-espresso-banana-bread-recipe/