Can you put espresso powder in banana bread?

Yes, espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without overpowering the banana. It’s a great way to add depth and richness to your loaf.

Can you use cocoa powder in banana bread?

Absolutely. Cocoa powder adds a chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with ripe bananas, especially when combined with espresso powder for extra flavor.

What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?

Overmixing the batter is the biggest mistake. It can make your banana bread dense and tough instead of light and moist.

Can you add coffee to banana bread?

Yes, brewed coffee or espresso can be added, but use it sparingly to avoid making the batter too wet. Espresso powder is often preferred for a stronger, concentrated flavor.

Banana Bread with Espresso And Cocoa

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all purpose flour

¼ cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ tsp espresso powder

½ cup olive oil

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, room temp

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sour cream

1 cup ripe bananas, mashed

½ cup dark chocolate chips + extra for topping

½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips + extra for topping

1 tablespoon all purpose flour (for dusting chips)

Optional: ¼ banana sliced, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, grease loaf pan.

2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

3. In another bowl, mix oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.

5. Mix in vanilla and sour cream, then fold in mashed bananas.

6. Fold dry ingredients into wet until almost combined.

7. Dust chocolate chips with flour, fold into batter, reserving some for topping.

8. Pour batter into loaf pan, sprinkle with reserved chips, and add banana slices if desired.

9. Bake 55–65 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

10. Cool 20 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.

11. Optional: Sprinkle sugar on banana slices and brulee with torch.

Notes

For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week.

Freezes well for up to 3 months if wrapped tightly.

Author: Emily Frost
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg