Chocolate Glazed Banana Bread

I first discovered the magic of chocolate-covered banana bread at a small bakery in Portland, and I've been obsessed ever since. This recipe is my homemade version that somehow tastes even better than that bakery original. The base is a classic banana bread made with super ripe bananas – and I mean really ripe, the kind with brown spots all over. Those overripe bananas are the secret to getting that incredible moisture and deep banana flavor. I fold chocolate chips right into the batter, so you get pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. But what really sets this apart is the chocolate ganache glaze on top. It's made with just heavy cream and chocolate chips, heated until silky smooth, then poured over the warm bread. As it cools, the ganache sets into this beautiful glossy coating that cracks perfectly when you slice through it. The texture is absolutely perfect – moist and tender with a slight density that makes each slice satisfying. The marbling effect from the chocolate chips creates this gorgeous pattern when you cut into it.

Why I love this recipe

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms something as simple as overripe bananas into an absolutely decadent dessert. There's something so satisfying about taking ingredients that might otherwise go to waste and creating something this beautiful and delicious. The recipe itself is incredibly forgiving – even if you're new to baking, you'll get great results. I also love that it uses one bowl for the wet ingredients and another for the dry, making cleanup a breeze. The chocolate ganache might sound fancy, but it's literally just two ingredients heated together. No complicated techniques required. This banana bread stays moist for days, which means you can make it ahead for brunches or gatherings. And honestly? The combination of banana and chocolate is just unbeatable. It's comforting like traditional banana bread but feels special enough for celebrations. Every time I make this, people ask for the recipe.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Ripe Bananas: Mash until smooth with a few small lumps, these provide moisture and natural sweetness
• Butter: Melt and cool slightly before mixing into the banana mixture
• Eggs: Beat lightly before adding to ensure even distribution throughout the batter
• All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level for accurate measurement, don't pack it down
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet for the batter and save some for the ganache topping
• Heavy Cream: Heat until just simmering to create a smooth, pourable ganache

Let's Make These Together

Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is also a great time to gather all your ingredients so everything is within reach. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Create the Base

Mash those super ripe bananas in a large bowl until they're mostly smooth. The riper the bananas, the more natural sweetness and moisture they'll add. Mix in your melted butter, then add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, fragrant mixture.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your banana mixture using a light hand. The key here is to mix just until combined – you don't want to overwork the batter, which can result in a dense bread. Fold in your chocolate chips for those pockets of melted chocolate goodness.

Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, usually around an hour. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing! Let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Top with Ganache

Make your simple chocolate ganache by heating cream and pouring it over chocolate chips. Let it sit, then whisk until silky smooth. Once your bread has cooled just slightly (but is still warm), pour that gorgeous ganache over the top and let it cascade down the sides. Allow it to set, then slice and serve this beautiful creation.

pin it

Switch Things Up

I still remember the first time I made this recipe on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I had three bananas that were basically black and spotted, and I was determined not to waste them. Instead of making my usual plain banana bread, I thought why not go all out with chocolate? I folded in some chocolate chips into the batter, and while it was still warm from the oven, I made a quick chocolate ganache. When I poured that glossy chocolate over the top and watched it cascade down the sides, I knew I'd created something special. My family couldn't believe how professional it looked! Now whenever I have overripe bananas, this is my go-to recipe. The house fills with the most amazing aroma of banana and chocolate, and I love how the chocolate chips create little pockets of melted chocolate throughout each slice.

Perfect Pairings

This Chocolate Glazed Banana Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or espresso in the morning – the slight bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness perfectly. For an afternoon treat, serve it alongside a glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla latte. If you want to make it extra special for dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and watch it melt into the warm bread. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh strawberries or raspberries, as the tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the chocolate. For a cozy evening snack, enjoy it with a cup of hot chocolate or chai tea.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that the overall sweetness of the bread will increase. You might want to reduce the sugar in the batter by 2 tablespoons if using milk chocolate to prevent it from being overly sweet.

→ My bananas aren't ripe enough, what should I do?

If your bananas aren't ripe, you can speed up the process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two. For a quicker method, bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let them cool before using. The bananas will be soft and sweet, perfect for banana bread.

→ Can I make this recipe without the chocolate ganache?

Absolutely! The banana bread is delicious on its own. You can skip the ganache entirely, or substitute it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, a cream cheese frosting, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The ganache just adds an extra layer of indulgence.

→ How do I know when the banana bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. The bread will also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when it's done.

→ Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans are wonderful additions. Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle some on top before baking for extra crunch and visual appeal.

→ Why did my ganache turn out grainy?

Grainy ganache usually happens when the chocolate is overheated or if water gets into the mixture. Make sure to heat the cream just until it simmers (not boiling), and ensure all utensils are completely dry. Let the hot cream sit on the chocolate for 2 minutes before whisking to allow gentle, even melting.

→ Can I make this in a different size pan?

You can use different pans, but you'll need to adjust the baking time. Muffin tins will take about 20-25 minutes, while a 9x9 square pan will take about 35-40 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick. Smaller portions cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Glazed Banana Bread is the perfect way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. The combination of moist banana bread studded with chocolate chips and topped with a silky chocolate ganache creates a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent. It's easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with coffee or as an evening dessert, each slice delivers the perfect balance of banana sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.