Double Chocolate Banana Bread (Printer-Friendly)

A rich loaf packed with bananas, cocoa, and chocolate chips, moist and great for any time treat.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 1/4 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 medium bananas)
02 - 2/3 cup full-fat buttermilk
03 - 1/3 cup avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

06 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 cup cocoa powder
09 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)

→ Add-ins

12 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided (3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8.5 by 4.5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper overhanging all sides for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mashed banana, buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder until evenly blended.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips.
05 - Evenly pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the surface with a spatula.
06 - Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top to melt into the crust.
08 - Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use overripe bananas with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
02 - Store wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
03 - For longer storage, freeze whole loaf or slices wrapped tightly and labeled.