Hey there, dark chocolate banana bread recipe lovers! If you’re looking for a super tasty and moist banana bread with a chocolatey twist, you’re in for a treat. This Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is one of my favorite recipes ever. It’s sweet (but not too sweet), soft, and full of gooey dark chocolate chips with juicy strawberries in every bite. Plus, it’s made with gluten-free flour and coconut oil so it’s a little healthier, too!
Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it’s a winner every time. Let’s get into it!
Method
Mash Those Bananas
Start by peeling your ripe bananas and placing them into a large mixing bowl. The riper the bananas, the better they should have brown spots and feel soft to the touch. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them thoroughly until they’re mostly smooth, with just a few tiny lumps for texture. You should have about 1 cup of mashed banana when you’re done.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
To the same bowl with the mashed bananas, add ¾ cup of sugar, your melted coconut oil, two large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature), and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed to combine everything well. The mixture should become smooth and glossy as the ingredients blend together this is the flavorful, moist base of your banana bread!
Add the Dry Stuff
In a separate bowl, sift together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Sifting helps break up any clumps and makes the dry mix lighter, which gives your banana bread a soft texture. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet banana mixture. Mix slowly and gently using your hand mixer on low or switching to a spatula until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the bread could turn out dense instead of fluffy.
Add the Extras
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the diced strawberries and dark chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Folding means slowly turning the batter over on itself to mix everything in without overworking it. This step adds bursts of fruity sweetness and melty chocolate into every bite. Try to spread them evenly throughout the batter, but don’t stir too much just a few good folds will do.
Get Ready to Bake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a prepared loaf pan that’s either greased or lined with parchment paper. Use your spatula to smooth out the top so the bread bakes evenly. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit thick that means it will be moist and hearty once baked.
Bake Time
Place the loaf pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 55 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye on it toward the end. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), it’s ready! The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
Cool It
After baking, let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking. Then, carefully lift the loaf out and place it on a wire rack or a plate to cool completely before slicing. Trust me it’s worth the wait, because the flavors and texture improve as it cools.
Necessary Tools
Before we start, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools:
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan (lined with parchment paper or greased)
- Toothpick (for checking if it’s baked!)
- Cooling rack (optional but helpful)
Moist Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe (Gluten-Free & Easy to Make)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes1
hour1
hour10
minutesIngredients
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this yummy banana bread:
3 medium OR 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
¾ cup sugar (white, brown, or coconut – your choice!)
⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup fresh strawberries, diced
¾ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
- Mash those bananas!
Peel your ripe bananas and mash them up in a bowl until smooth. - Mix the wet ingredients.
In the same bowl, add sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk or mix with a hand mixer until everything is combined and smooth. - Add the dry stuff.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add it into the wet mixture while mixing gently. - Add the extras.
Fold in the diced strawberries and dark chocolate chips. Don’t overmix just enough to spread them around. - Get ready to bake!
Pour the batter into a lined loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake time.
Place the loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 55–60 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done! - Cool it.
Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack (or plate) to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure your bananas are really ripe like spotty brown ripe. They’ll make the bread sweeter and softer!
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added it can make the bread too dense.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature so they mix better.
- Fresh strawberries are best, but if you use frozen ones, pat them dry so they don’t add too much moisture.
- Always check with a toothpick before removing from the oven. Ovens can be sneaky!
Serving Suggestions
- Eat a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving.
- Enjoy it with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of cocoa.
- Turn it into breakfast with a smear of almond butter or peanut butter.
Fun Fact
Did you know bananas are actually berries, but strawberries aren’t? Crazy, right?! Also, dark chocolate has antioxidants that can be good for your heart (and your taste buds)!
Conclusion
They have a Dark Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe that’s delicious, a little fancy, and super easy to make. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or to impress your friends, this one’s a guaranteed hit.
