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Extra Moist Espresso Dark Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread

espresso dark chocolate swirl banana bread - featured image

A moist and flavorful banana bread with a subtle espresso kick and bittersweet dark chocolate swirls, perfect for brunch or coffee breaks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup (130 g) dark chocolate chunks or chips (70% cocoa preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, espresso powder, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
  3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. Add melted and cooled butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk or beat until smooth and glossy.
  4. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in the dark chocolate chunks gently, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
  6. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Dollop half of the remaining batter mixed with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder over it. Use a knife or skewer to swirl gently through the batter layers. Repeat with the rest of the batter to create a marbled effect.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough loaf. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. For extra espresso flavor, brush warm loaf with coffee syrup. Can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with coconut oil and using dairy-free chocolate. Gluten-free option available by substituting flour with gluten-free baking flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, espresso banana bread, dark chocolate banana bread, moist banana bread, coffee flavored bread, chocolate swirl bread, easy banana bread