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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 51 reviews

This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a decadent twist on classic banana bread, combining the rich flavors of cocoa, espresso, and two types of chocolate chips for a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a dessert treat, it features a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate, tender mashed bananas, and a crumbly, slightly crispy top dusted with extra chocolate chips and optional brûléed banana slices.

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 Chips

  • 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)

Toppings and Garnish

  • ¼ banana (2 long thin slices off of a banana)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and espresso powder—until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan thoroughly and gather all your ingredients before starting the wet mixture.
  3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to blend olive oil with both brown and granulated sugars until smooth and well incorporated.
  4. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition to ensure thorough mixing. Mix just until each egg is incorporated.
  5. Add Vanilla and Sour Cream: Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated and the batter is creamy.
  6. Fold in Bananas: Mash the ripe bananas finely, then fold them gently into the wet ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently just until almost fully incorporated. It’s okay if you see a few streaks of flour.
  8. Prepare Chocolate Chips: Reserve a handful of chocolate chips for the topping. Toss the remaining chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking and fold them into the batter evenly.
  9. Fill Loaf Pan and Add Toppings: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
  10. Optional Banana Garnish: Lay two long thin slices of banana lengthwise on top of the batter and gently press them down slightly.
  11. Bake: Bake the loaf at 350°F for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  12. Optional Sugar Brûlée: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon granulated sugar over the banana slices on top. Use a kitchen torch to melt and crisp the sugar until it turns a dark brown color, slightly charred.
  13. Cooling: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs help create a smoother batter and improve texture.
  • Dusting the chocolate chips with flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste.
  • For a dairy-free variation, substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
  • Use a kitchen torch carefully for the brûlée topping, or skip this step if unavailable—it’s optional.
  • Leftover banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for extended storage.

Keywords: banana bread, chocolate banana bread, espresso banana bread, chocolate chips, espresso powder, baked goods, dessert, breakfast bread

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