Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf Recipe for Bakers

Baking aromas waft through the kitchen as this chocolate chip banana cocoa loaf recipe promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Ripe bananas mash perfectly into a rich, decadent batter that whispers sweet promises of deliciousness.

Dark cocoa powder adds depth and complexity to the classic banana bread formula.

chocolate chips scattered throughout create irresistible pockets of melty goodness in every slice.

The subtle blend of banana and chocolate creates a harmonious dance of flavors that beckons you to the kitchen.

Warm, moist, and deeply satisfying, this loaf delivers a treat that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure bliss.

Slice into this decadent creation and savor each chocolatey, banana-infused bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Behind Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color, opt for unsweetened dark cocoa for intense taste.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, tender crumb, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness, fine-grain salt blends seamlessly.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Ripe Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and moisture, look for bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor.
  • Butter, Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and keeps the loaf tender, use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and keeps the bread moist, dark brown sugar offers more intense flavor.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure, use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity, pure vanilla extract delivers the most authentic taste.
For Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates delightful chocolate pockets, use semi-sweet chips for balanced sweetness.

Tools for the Ultimate Banana Cocoa Loaf Experience

  • Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): Essential for shaping and baking the banana bread.
  • Mixing Bowls (medium and large): One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
  • Fork: Ideal for mashing ripe bananas to the right consistency.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps bread cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
  • Toothpick: Checks bread doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
  • Spatula: Helps fold chocolate chips and scrape batter into pan.

Loaf Love: How to Bake This Banana Cocoa Treat

Chocolate Banana Cocoa Delight

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick magic.

  • Dry Ingredient Harmony

Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. These powdery friends will create the base of our delicious treat.

  • Banana Transformation

Mash those ripe bananas into a creamy dream. Pour in melted butter and oil, stirring until they become best friends. Mix in brown sugar, egg, and vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Batter Bliss

Gently combine the dry and wet ingredients. Don’t go crazy mixing – just enough to say hello. Sprinkle in most of the chocolate chips, creating delightful pockets of sweetness.

  • Pan Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Shower the top with remaining chocolate chips for a gorgeous finish.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 50-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

  • Cooling Moment

Let the loaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and wait until it’s just warm before slicing into this heavenly treat.

Ways to Improve Your Cocoa Banana Bread

  • Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Banana Ripeness Magic: Use overripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor – the darker the better for natural sugar concentration.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular flour with a certified gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Nutty Crunch Boost: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and a delightful nutty undertone that complements the chocolate and banana.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg to create a completely dairy-free version of this delicious loaf.
  • Flavor Remix: Experiment with different mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to create your own unique twist on this classic quick bread.

Serving Chocolate Banana Loaf Like a Pro

  • Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve this warm banana chocolate chip loaf alongside a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful morning treat that brings comfort and sweetness together.
  • Decadent Dessert Plate: Slice the loaf and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, creating a rich and indulgent dessert experience that satisfies chocolate lovers.
  • Breakfast Brilliance: Transform the loaf into a quick breakfast by toasting a slice and spreading a thin layer of almond butter or cream cheese for added protein and creamy texture.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade food gift that shows care and personal touch, perfect for friends, neighbors, or weekend brunch hosts.

How to Keep Your Loaf Fresh and Moist

  • Quick Counter Storage: Keep your banana cocoa loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and soft texture.
  • Refrigeration Technique: When storing longer than 4 days, place the loaf in an airtight container inside the refrigerator, which extends its freshness up to one week while preventing potential spoilage.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the loaf before freezing, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices remain delectable for 2-3 months and can be thawed at room temperature or quickly reheated in a toaster oven.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the banana cocoa loaf batter one day ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing ingredients to blend beautifully and potentially enhancing the depth of flavors before baking.
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Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf Recipe

Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Cocoa Loaf Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade chocolate chip banana cocoa loaf delivers rich flavors from classic ingredients. Moist crumb and deep chocolate notes make this quick bread perfect for afternoon snacking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large brown bananas (1.5 cups / 340 g mashed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Dutch process cocoa
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • ¼ cup canola or melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Banana Base: Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a larger bowl, creating a smooth puree, then blend in melted butter and oil until fully integrated.
  4. Wet Mixture: Incorporate brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture, whisking until achieving a glossy, homogeneous texture.
  5. Batter Assembly: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently, avoiding overmixing, and stir in three-quarters of chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Pan Arrangement: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, leveling the surface, and scatter remaining chocolate chips across the top for visual appeal.
  7. Baking Process: Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 50-65 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal crumbs.
  8. Cooling Stage: Let loaf rest in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to rack and allow to cool until just warm before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, light texture and avoid tough, dense bread.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Reserve some chips for topping to create an appealing visual and ensure chocolate in every bite.
  • Cooling Technique: Let the loaf rest in the pan briefly to help it set, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp edges.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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