Chocolate Banana Espresso Loaf

Name: Chocolate Banana Espresso Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Banana Espresso Loaf. It's the perfect blend of rich chocolate, sweet bananas, and a hint of espresso that elevates the flavors to something extraordinary. Each slice is moist and tender, making it hard to resist. I love to serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a cup of coffee for that extra kick of goodness. Whether it's a cozy morning or a sweet afternoon snack, this loaf is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:58:08.388Z

When I first attempted to make this loaf, I wanted to combine my love for chocolate with the aroma of freshly brewed espresso. After several trials, I found that incorporating mashed bananas not only sweetened the mix, but it also kept the loaf incredibly moist, avoiding that dry texture that often comes with baked goods. The inclusion of espresso elevates the chocolate flavor, making every bite an indulgent experience.

One key tip I discovered is to use overripe bananas; their natural sweetness is unparalleled and blends beautifully into the batter. Allowing the loaf to cool slightly before slicing also helps maintain its structure and enhances the flavors. Trust me—patience is key!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh banana sweetness
A delightful espresso kick that enhances the entire loaf
Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth

      

The Role of Espresso in the Loaf

Espresso adds a depth of flavor that enhances the rich chocolate and sweet banana notes in this Chocolate Banana Espresso Loaf. Using a quality espresso ensures that the loaf achieves a balance of sweetness and bitterness, making each bite interesting. If you don't have espresso on hand, a strong brewed coffee can be a suitable substitute, though espresso has a more concentrated taste that really makes this recipe shine.

When measuring your espresso, aim for a bold brew. This means using freshly ground coffee if possible, as it provides the best flavor impact. Aim for a brew time that yields a thick, rich coffee—around 25-30 seconds for espresso. This small detail can elevate the loaf's flavor profile significantly.

Tips for Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect moist texture is crucial for this loaf. The ripeness of your bananas plays a significant role; look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even blackened, as they will impart more natural sweetness and moisture. The goal is to have a smooth, lump-free banana mixture that melds seamlessly with the other ingredients without overmixing, which could lead to a denser loaf.

Another essential factor is not to overbake your loaf. Keep an eye on it after 45 minutes in the oven, testing with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry. Remember, the carryover cooking effect means the loaf continues to cook as it cools, so a few moist crumbs on the toothpick are fine.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Bananas and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and softened butter. Mix until well incorporated.

Add Sugar and Eggs

Stir in the granulated sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the espresso, and blend until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently.

Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for a decorative finish.

Storing and Freezing Tips

To keep your Chocolate Banana Espresso Loaf fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing slices individually. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

When ready to serve, you can either let a slice thaw at room temperature or warm it briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This revitalizes the moist texture and brings out the chocolatey aroma, making it feel fresh-baked.

Serving Suggestions

This loaf can stand beautifully on its own, but I love to serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a special touch. A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant finish. Consider pairing it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a side of caramel for an indulgent dessert experience.

For a delightful breakfast or brunch, serve slices warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries. This not only complements the loaf’s flavors but also adds a nutritious touch, making it a fulfilling way to start your day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

→ How do I store the loaf?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

→ What can I substitute for espresso?

You can use strong brewed coffee or a coffee substitute if you prefer a caffeine-free option.