Moist, rich banana bread marbled with a luscious chocolate swirl and topped with fresh banana slices and melted chocolate chips. This indulgent loaf is the perfect balance of sweet banana flavor and deep cocoa richness—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread takes a beloved classic and gives it an irresistible upgrade. With its moist texture, natural banana sweetness, and decadent chocolate ribbons, it satisfies both comfort food cravings and chocolate lovers alike. Easy to make with pantry staples and perfect for any time of day, this bread is great for gifting, sharing, or keeping all to yourself.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 ripe bananas, mashed (+ 1 extra banana for topping, sliced)
1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls.
6. Add the cocoa powder and milk to one bowl, stirring until fully incorporated to form the chocolate batter.
7. Alternate spoonfuls of the banana and chocolate batters into the loaf pan to create a marbled effect.
8. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together for a visual pattern.
9. Top with banana slices and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
10. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter or coconut oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Chocolate: Add more chocolate chips into the banana batter for a double chocolate version.
• Spiced Banana Bread: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.

storage/reheating

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices individually or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Why is my banana bread too dense?

Overmixing the batter or using under-ripe bananas can cause a dense texture. Mix just until combined.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

How do I know when banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done.

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely. Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips work well.

Is this recipe sweet enough without the extra banana on top?

Yes, the topping is decorative and adds texture, but the loaf is flavorful on its own.

Can I skip the swirl step?

Yes, you can mix all the ingredients together instead, but you’ll miss the visual marbled effect.

Does this recipe double well?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

What size loaf pan should I use?

An 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan works well for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Reduce the sugar slightly, use whole wheat flour for half the amount, or substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup.

Conclusion

Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread is a delicious upgrade to traditional banana bread, delivering the perfect blend of sweet fruit and rich chocolate in every bite. Its moist texture, stunning marbled appearance, and easy preparation make it a versatile favorite for breakfasts, snacks, or indulgent desserts. Whether you’re sharing or saving it for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.

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