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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 ripe bananas mashed: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and flavorful.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and tenderness to the bread.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with texture.
  • 2 large eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the texture.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee cooled: Espresso enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a richer and deeper taste.
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread providing structure and texture.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the bread its rich chocolatey flavor.
  • 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become light.
  • 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark: Adds gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bread.
  • 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans optional: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon optional, for added flavor: Adds warmth and complexity to the taste.

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures the banana bread doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out easily after baking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and moisture in the bread. Once mashed, add the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and brewed espresso or coffee to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you choose to use it). Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the cocoa powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the bread, which will result in a lighter texture.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could make the bread dense. The batter should remain slightly lumpy, with no visible flour.
  5. Now, fold in the chocolate chips and any nuts you're using, such as walnuts or pecans. The chocolate chips will melt and create gooey pockets of chocolate in every slice, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
  7. Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Allowing the bread to cool helps it set and ensures that it slices neatly. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey, and coffee-flavored banana bread with your favorite cup of tea or coffee!