Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Banana Bread

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

Highlighted under: Modern Cooking

I absolutely love making this Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Banana Bread for the big game. It's moist, rich, and packs a chocolatey punch that everyone adores. The sweet aroma fills the kitchen, and the combination of ripe bananas and delicious chocolate is simply irresistible. Plus, it's a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. With its amazing flavor and easy preparation, this bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Created by

Saskia Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:25:34.482Z

When I first baked this chocolate banana bread, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a delightful treat. The addition of cocoa powder not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also makes the bread incredibly moist. I recommend using very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.

Throughout the years, I've learned that adding a handful of chocolate chips can take each bite over the edge in terms of decadence. It’s a little bit indulgent, but it’s perfect for Super Bowl Sunday or any festive gathering. Trust me, you won't want to skip this delicious treat!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with the sweetness of bananas
Moist and tender crumb that everyone will rave about
Easy to make, perfect for game day or a cozy gathering

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Using overripe bananas is essential for this chocolate banana bread, as they provide natural sweetness and moisture. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or nearly black; these will yield the best flavor. The texture will become super soft once mashed, ensuring a tender crumb in the final product. If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two.

Cocoa powder is the star of the show in this recipe, offering a rich chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the bananas. For a deeper flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder. The butter adds richness; therefore, it's crucial to melt it, which helps to blend the ingredients smoothly and evenly. If you're looking to lighten the recipe, swap half the butter for applesauce, which will keep it moist while reducing fat content.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined is key to maintaining a moist texture; overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread. If you notice an uneven texture, it could be that the banana wasn’t fully mashed or the flour was packed too tightly. Ensure your bananas are well-mashed and use a gentle folding motion when incorporating the dry ingredients.

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on your bread after about 50 minutes. For the best results, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your banana bread is perfectly baked. If it’s still wet, let it bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking, which can result in a dry loaf.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your chocolate banana bread:

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious chocolate banana bread:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas. Stir in the melted butter, then add the vanilla extract and beaten egg.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together sugar, baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa powder.

Incorporate Dry Mixture

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Slice and serve this delightful treat to impress your guests!

Pro Tips

For an extra treat, serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Storage Tips

To keep your chocolate banana bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerating it can keep it good for a week. However, the bread may dry out slightly, so make sure it’s well-wrapped. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices; they can last up to 3 months. Just be sure to place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

When reheating, avoid the microwave, as it can make the bread rubbery. Instead, wrap it in foil and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method not only revives the bread's texture but also enhances the chocolate aroma, making it an irresistibly inviting treat for your guests.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra special touch during the Super Bowl, consider serving this chocolate banana bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm, moist bread pairs beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful contrast. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent experience, or dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve them as part of a dessert platter with fresh strawberries or whipped cream. This approach not only makes it visually appealing but also allows guests to enjoy a variety of flavors alongside the main event. Whether you choose to simplify or indulge, this chocolate banana bread will always be a game-day favorite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.