If you’ve ever dreamed of a banana bread that’s indulgently rich yet tender and moist, then you are going to absolutely adore this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe. Bursting with deep chocolate flavor and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, this treat is the perfect balance of comfort and decadence, all while being gluten free and made from simple pantry staples. It’s the kind of loaf that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds do a happy dance with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view shows several small white bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. The center bowl holds mashed banana, pale yellow and smooth, with a silver spoon inside. Surrounding it are bright yellow beaten eggs, dark brown cocoa powder with a rough texture, light brown soft brown sugar, and dark chocolate chips. Other bowls contain white flour, a small amount of ground cinnamon, white salt crystals, a dark amber liquid, and a clear pale liquid. A whole yellow banana is partially visible at the bottom right. The setting is neat and bright with natural light, giving a fresh and clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe because each one plays a key role in creating the perfect moistness, chocolate punch, and lovely texture that this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is celebrated for.

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender.
1 ½ cups mashed banana (about 3-4 large bananas): Natural sweetness and moisture powerhouse.
1 cup packed dark brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel flavor and chewiness.
2 eggs: Binds everything together while adding structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity and aroma.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: Delivers that rich chocolate base for the bread.
1 1/4 cup gluten free flour: Keeps it gluten free without compromising texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift for a light, fluffy crumb.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that complements both banana and chocolate.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
1/2 cup mini dark chocolate chips (plus more for the top): Brings pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bread.

How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by combining your melted unsalted butter with the mashed bananas, dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, homogenous mixture. This is where the natural sweetness meets the creamy texture that forms the perfect base for your bread.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, sift together the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently but completely until the batter is uniform. This step is key to ensuring your bread will rise well and have that irresistible chocolatey depth without any lumps.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips and Prepare Pan

Fold in the mini dark chocolate chips to scatter delicious bursts of melted chocolate inside your loaf. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. For an extra pretty and tasty touch, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top or press slices of banana into the batter’s surface before baking. This adds a lovely visual appeal and an extra hit of banana flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into a preheated oven at 350 degrees. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The smell filling your kitchen by now is a sure sign that something wonderful is happening inside the oven.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps the bread set completely, making it easier to slice into beautiful, chocolatey pieces. Now you’re ready to enjoy every delicious slice!

How to Serve Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

A slice of dark brown chocolate banana bread sits on a white round plate, showing a dense and moist texture with light yellow banana pieces visible inside. Three circular slices of banana rest under the bread on the plate’s lower right side. A silver fork enters the frame on the left side of the plate, with its prongs touching the bread’s edge. Surrounding the plate, scattered dark brown chocolate chips and a few banana slices lie on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, a small white bowl filled with dark chocolate chips is placed next to a beige loosely woven cloth with fringed edges. Another white plate with banana slices is partially visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your bread from everyday treat to a special delight. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of nut butter can also balance the deep chocolate flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This bread shines as a solo star but also pairs incredibly well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent snack, slice it alongside fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Creative Ways to Present

Surprise your guests by turning your Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe into mini parfaits layered with Greek yogurt and fresh berries. You can also toast slices lightly and serve with mascarpone and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for breakfast with a wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover bread, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will help keep it moist and fresh, ready for whenever a chocolate banana craving strikes again.

Freezing

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep perfectly for up to three months. When you want a slice, just thaw the bread overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

For a delicious warm treat, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This brings back the soft texture and melts the chocolate chips so each bite feels like freshly baked bread right out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?

Yes! If you don’t need the bread to be gluten free, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in the same measurement. The texture will be just as tasty and slightly lighter.

How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best sweetness and flavor, use bananas that are very ripe—those with lots of brown spots or even a bit soft. They mash easily and add natural sweetness without needing extra sugar.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in an equal amount. This will keep the bread moist and delicious without the dairy.

Is it possible to add nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition for some crunch. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your favorite nuts along with the chocolate chips.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is the toothpick method—insert a clean toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect. If wet batter sticks, give it more time baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Double Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe because it truly is an unbeatable combination of comfort and indulgence made simple. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade and wholesome. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again—just like I do!