This Chocolate Banana Bread is a dream come true for chocolate lovers who crave a healthier twist on a classic treat. Rich cocoa and mashed bananas mingle together in every moist bite, while pockets of melty chocolate chips take things to pure bliss. With gluten-free oat flour keeping it wholesome and nut butter lending a subtle richness, this recipe ticks all the boxes: easy, deeply flavorful, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re after a breakfast upgrade or a better-for-you snack, Chocolate Banana Bread will quickly become a recipe you’re excited to share (and maybe keep just for yourself!).

Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is truly the easiest step, and each one brings its own magic to this loaf. From the delicate sweetness of bananas to the bold punch of cocoa, you’ll see how every element makes Chocolate Banana Bread a standout!

Bananas: Go for super ripe bananas with brown spots — they add natural sweetness and keep your bread moist.
Eggs: These bind everything together, adding structure and a tender crumb.
Nut Butter: Almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter adds richness and a faint nuttiness, without any oily residue.
Granular Sweetener: Monk fruit sweetener keeps things light, but brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash boosts all the other flavors and adds irresistible aroma.
Sea Salt: Enhances sweetness and helps balance the richness of cocoa and bananas.
Oat Flour: This gluten-free base creates a hearty, tender texture—perfect for soaking up chocolatey goodness.
Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed or natural cocoa for maximum depth of chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder: Guarantees a fluffy, well-risen loaf every time.
Chocolate Chips: The secret to gooey, molten chocolate pockets in every slice.
Protein Powder (optional): Swap in for oat flour if you’d like an added protein boost—you won’t even taste the difference!

How to Make

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). That way, everything’s ready for a quick bake as soon as you’re done mixing. Line a 20 cm (about 8-inch) loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. A little prep at the start makes for a fuss-free finish later!

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel your bananas, then add them to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them down until they’re completely smooth with no lumps. This not only sweetens your Chocolate Banana Bread but also creates the perfect base for moistness, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add your nut butter and eggs into the mashed bananas and mix well. Then pour in the sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Take a minute or two to whisk everything together—this ensures your loaf bakes up evenly and has that signature tender crumb.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the oat flour (or a 50/50 mix with protein powder for a high-protein version), cocoa powder, and baking powder directly into the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until you see no dry streaks. Finally, toss in the chocolate chips and fold them in, reserving a few for the top if you want extra chocolatey goodness.

Step 5: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. If you saved extra chocolate chips, scatter them over the top for a pretty finish. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes—start checking at the 30-minute mark by poking the center with a toothpick. When it comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay!), your Chocolate Banana Bread is ready.

Step 6: Cool

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes so it can firm up, then carefully lift it out and transfer to a wire rack. Give it time to cool completely before slicing—this patience is worth it, since it lets the chocolate set and the flavors deepen for the ultimate treat!

How to Serve

Garnishes

Nothing beats a warm slice with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of nut butter. For a touch of decadence, a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a scattering of fresh berries also looks beautiful and adds more flavor interest to your Chocolate Banana Bread.

Side Dishes

This bread is delicious with a frothy cappuccino or a tall glass of oat milk for breakfast. For a snack board, pair slices with some extra fruit—think orange segments or strawberries—for a vibrant, energizing platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Chocolate Banana Bread into thick squares and serving with a dusting of powdered sugar. Cut into mini cubes for a chocolatey twist on traditional tea sandwiches, or try toasting a slice, then topping with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a fun breakfast spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Chocolate Banana Bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for two days, or up to five days in the fridge—just be sure to protect it from drying out.

Freezing

This loaf freezes beautifully! Slice it first for grab-and-go breakfasts, then wrap slices in parchment paper and place in a freezer bag. Thaw individual slices at room temperature or overnight in the fridge whenever you need a chocolatey pick-me-up.

Reheating

If your bread feels a little firm from chilling or freezing, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm it gently in a toaster oven for that fresh-from-the-oven experience—the melty chocolate chips will thank you!

FAQs

Can I make this Chocolate Banana Bread vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and make sure to use a plant-based sweetener and chocolate chips. The result is still tender and delightfully chocolatey.

Is it possible to use a different flour?

Oat flour works best for this recipe because it’s wholesome and gluten-free, but you can also use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend—just keep an eye on the texture and adjust wet ingredients if needed.

How do I know when my banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging, it’s done. Try not to overbake, as that can dry it out.

Can I add nuts or more mix-ins?

Definitely! Stir in your favorite nuts (walnuts or almonds work well) or even a handful of dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Chocolate Banana Bread is super flexible and customizable to your taste.

What’s the best way to get really moist Chocolate Banana Bread?

The secrets are using very ripe bananas and not overmixing the batter. Give it time to cool before slicing, too—this helps lock in moisture and ensures every bite is perfectly soft and fudgy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a chocolate fix that’s simple, nourishing, and downright delicious, give this Chocolate Banana Bread a whirl. Whether it’s your first loaf or your hundredth, you’ll fall for its perfectly moist crumb and deep cocoa flavor. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before you know it!