Dark & Rich Espresso Banana Bread Recipe Is Like Eating Dessert for Breakfast by Elisa Schmitz

The best thing I ate all week is this dark and rich espresso banana bread recipe. It's so good! Those of you who follow me on 30Seconds know that I'm pretty much obsessed with banana bread recipes. Well, my banana bread obsession continues and this espresso banana bread is my latest favorite. I've made coffee banana bread and I've made coffee chocolate chip banana muffins, but this recipe is even better.

What makes this chocolate chip banana bread recipe extra special is the "secret ingredient" that enhances its flavor: espresso powder. Espresso powder is espresso coffee beans that are brewed, dried then turned into a dark, rich powder. When you combine espresso powder with chocolate, the flavor becomes richer and more complex – without adding a strong coffee flavor. That's why adding espresso powder to chocolate chip banana bread makes it even richer and more delicious. It's like eating dessert for breakfast!

This decadent banana bread recipe also incorporates the health benefits of Greek yogurt, which is one of my favorite sources of healthy protein. Then there are the overripe bananas (check out the health benefits of bananas) and the semisweet chocolate chips (chocolate has some health benefits, too) that provide additional nutrition.

This amazing banana bread recipe is so easy to prepare. Here's the list of delicious ingredients you'll need to gather: overripe bananas, butter, plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, espresso powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chopped walnuts are optional. You make the easy batter then bake the bread until it's cooked through and golden brown. So simple!

Serve this espresso banana bread with a cup of coffee for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, with a glass of milk for an energizing afternoon snack or with a cup of tea for dessert. I hope it's the best thing you'll eat all week, too!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Total Time: 55 to 65 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 3 medium overripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups flour (all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed bananas, melted butter, Greek yogurt and eggs. Whisk to combine. (Instead of Greek yogurt, you also could use sour cream.)
   
2. Add the vanilla extract and the sugar. Whisk to combine.
   
3. Add the flour, baking soda, salt and espresso powder. (You can use all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour.) Stir to combine.
   
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and the walnuts, if using.
   
5. Evenly spread the batter into an 8x4-inch loaf pan that's been lined with parchment paper.
   
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. (If the loaf is getting too brown on top, you can cover it with aluminum foil.)
   
7. Allow loaf to cool before slicing and serving. Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
   

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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