Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Chocolate and banana are a classic pairing, but when you add a bold shot of espresso, the result is an irresistible quick bread that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is a delightfully moist and flavorful treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Imagine slicing into a loaf of tender banana bread, only to discover a swirling ribbon of rich, dark chocolate running through the center. The subtle notes of espresso complement the sweetness of the bananas, creating a depth of flavor that will have you reaching for a second slice. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

The combination of mashed ripe bananas, bittersweet chocolate, and the bold punch of espresso powder makes this banana bread an absolute flavor sensation. The texture is wonderfully moist and tender, with a slight crunch from the chocolate chips scattered throughout. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect baking project for a lazy weekend or a last-minute treat.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a breakfast bread, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a decadent dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread ❓

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (300g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• 1/2 cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips

The beauty of this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ripe bananas, rich chocolate, and bold espresso creates the irresistible flavor profile that has made banana bread recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread Step-by-Step ❓

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Fold in the mashed bananas and cooled coffee or espresso until well combined. Gently fold in the dry ingredients just until no dry pockets remain, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Step 6: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

⏱️ Timing Overview

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55-65 minutes
Total time: 70-80 minutes

Compared to traditional banana bread which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 248
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 190mg

These Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread slices provide approximately 11% of your daily fiber requirements and 8% of your daily potassium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduced-fat option: Use 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce in place of 2 tablespoons of the butter to reduce the total fat content.
Lower-carb version: Substitute 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of almond flour or coconut flour to lower the carbohydrate count.
Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Added protein: Mix in 2 tablespoons of unflavored protein powder along with the dry ingredients for a protein boost.
Boost vegetables: Grate 1/2 cup of zucchini or carrots and fold it into the batter for extra moisture and nutrients.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Complement the bread with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• For a brunch spread, serve the Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh berries.
• Create a holiday platter with slices of the bread, festive cookies, and a selection of holiday-themed candies or nuts.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this can result in a tough, dense texture.
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bread during the baking process, as it can quickly go from perfectly moist to dry and crumbly if overbaked.
Using underripe bananas: Make sure to use ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor and moisture in the bread.
Not letting the bread cool completely: Cutting into the bread before it has had a chance to cool can cause it to crumble and fall apart.
Forgetting to grease the pan: Ensure the loaf pan is properly greased to prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread loaves retain their quality remarkably well:

Refrigeration: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing unbaked: Prepare the batter, pour it into the loaf pan, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Freezing baked: Allow the baked bread to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Reheating: To restore the bread’s freshly baked texture, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

❓ FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bread actually gets better with time. You can bake the loaf up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, the unbaked batter can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute regular brewed coffee for the espresso in this recipe. The espresso provides a more intense coffee flavor, but a strong brewed coffee will also work well. Just be sure to use the same amount (1/4 cup) of the coffee as specified for the espresso.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter. Also, be sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without any dairy products.

Why is my Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread so dense?

If your banana bread turns out dense and heavy, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to gently fold in the dry ingredients just until they’re incorporated, avoiding the temptation to keep mixing. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a dense, tough texture.

Can I add any additional mix-ins to the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and allows for all sorts of delicious additions. Try folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted coconut for extra crunch and texture. You could also swirl in a tablespoon of peanut butter or hazelnut spread for a flavor twist. Just be mindful not to overload the batter with too many mix-ins, as that can affect the overall structure of the bread.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread loaves represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy breakfast, an indulgent dessert, or a comforting afternoon snack, they’re sure to impress with their moist texture and rich, coffee-infused taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread slices demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the mixing and baking. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this irresistible quick bread today?

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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread


  • Author: Jasmine
  • Total Time: 70-80 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups (300g) mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• 1/2 cup (90g) semisweet chocolate chips


Instructions

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
• Step 4: Fold in the mashed bananas and cooled coffee or espresso until well combined. Gently fold in the dry ingredients just until no dry pockets remain, being careful not to overmix.
• Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
• Step 6: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Americans

Keywords: Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

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