Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Enhanced Chocolate Flavor: The addition of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate, making each slice irresistibly rich.
  • Moist and Tender Crumb: Using olive oil and sour cream ensures a moist texture that stays fresh longer.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is both easy and convenient.
  • Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon espresso powder
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 large bananas)
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)
  • 2 thin slices of banana (optional, for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, for bruleeing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: Toss the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
  6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, place the banana slices on top and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips.
  7. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Optional Brulee Topping: After baking, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over the banana slices and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar for a crispy topping.
  9. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
  • Spiced Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with brown spots provide natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the bread’s flavor.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

Yes, but the flavor may be milder. Espresso powder is more concentrated and dissolves easily, providing a richer taste.

Is it necessary to use both dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Using both adds depth to the chocolate flavor, but you can use one type based on your preference or availability.

Can I substitute the olive oil with another oil?

Yes, neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work well. Avoid strong-flavored oils that may overpower the taste.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute, maintaining the moisture and tanginess in the bread.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

Tossing the chocolate chips in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps distribute


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Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Discover the ultimate indulgence with Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread—a rich, moist loaf blending the sweetness of ripe bananas, deep cocoa flavors, and a hint of espresso. Perfectly studded with melty chocolate chips, this decadent treat is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

 


Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • ½ tsp espresso powder
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 bananas)
  • Mix-ins and Toppings:
    • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
    • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting chocolate chips)
    • Optional: 2 banana slices and 1 tsp granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder in a medium bowl.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, sugars, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and mashed bananas.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
  • Add Chocolate Chips: Toss chocolate chips with 1 tbsp of flour and gently fold into the batter.
  • Pour and Top: Transfer batter to loaf pan. Optional: top with banana slices and extra chocolate chips.
  • Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
  • Optional Brulee Topping: Sprinkle sugar over banana slices and caramelize with a torch after baking.
  • Cool: Let the bread cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then fully cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Nut Variation: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Spices: Add 1 tsp cinnamon for a warm touch.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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