Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Banana Bread

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday than with a slice of my Chocolate Banana Bread. This decadent bread is packed with rich cocoa and ripe bananas, creating a moist and delightful treat that everyone will love. It’s perfect for sharing while cheering on our favorite team, and I guarantee it won’t last long on the table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so I can spend more time enjoying the game and less time in the kitchen.

Created by

Jessica Brown

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:33:35.421Z

One of the best parts about making this Chocolate Banana Bread is how simple it is to prepare. I remember the first time I decided to add cocoa to my traditional banana bread recipe; the result was an explosion of flavors. Each bite is a perfect blend of chocolate and banana, making it feel indulgent yet still comforting. I also found that using overripe bananas really enhances the sweetness and moisture.

Another trick I’ve learned is to add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter. This creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bread, elevating it even further. It's great for game day gatherings because it’s not just dessert; it’s more like a celebration on a plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with sweet bananas
Moist and tender texture that everyone loves
Easy to make for any gathering or celebration

The Role of Ripe Bananas

Using ripe bananas is crucial for this Chocolate Banana Bread. Their natural sweetness not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the moist texture of the bread. Look for bananas with plenty of dark spots, as this indicates maximum ripeness. If you find yourself short on ripe bananas, you can accelerate the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag for a day or two, which traps ethylene gas and speeds up natural ripening.

Bananas also add elasticity and richness to the bread. When mashing them, aim for a smooth but slightly chunky consistency. This will ensure even distribution throughout the batter. If you want to experiment, consider adding a bit of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your Chocolate Banana Bread involves balancing the wet and dry ingredients correctly. When combining the mixtures, stir just until no flour pockets remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense, gummy loaf rather than a light and airy one. The batter should be thick but easily pourable; if it appears too stiff, a tablespoon of milk can help loosen it.

Additionally, baking temperature and time are vital for a successful loaf. Always preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the bread inside. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, especially during the last 10 minutes. If you notice the top is browning too quickly, lightly cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning without disrupting the cooking process.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. If desired, fold in chocolate chips.

Bake the Bread

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

Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of espresso to the batter or replace some of the bananas with applesauce for a unique twist.

Variations to Try

One delightful variation of this recipe is to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Simply chop them coarsely and fold them into the batter right before pouring it into the loaf pan. Choose a toasted option for an extra nutty aroma that elevates the entire bread, making it a more substantial snack.

Another fun twist is to incorporate spices like cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder. These can enhance the chocolate flavor significantly. For cinnamon, start with a teaspoon added to the dry ingredients, and for espresso powder, half a teaspoon dissolved in the wet ingredients should suffice. Experiment with these additions to find your perfect blend!

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Banana Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it; just be aware that it may dry out more quickly, so bringing it back to room temperature or warming it slightly before serving can improve the texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Slice it before freezing to allow for easy thawing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw slices at room temperature, or pop them in the toaster for a warm treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work well; just thaw them and mash before adding to the mix.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor kick.