Hot Chocolate Banana Bread (2 Bananas) – Cozy, Moist, and Extra Chocolatey

If you’re looking for the coziest winter baking recipe, this Hot Chocolate Banana Bread is going to be your new favorite loaf. It combines the nostalgic flavor of creamy hot cocoa with the rich moisture of classic banana bread, all in one easy recipe that uses just 2 ripe bananas and a simple packet of hot chocolate mix.

It's chocolatey without being too sweet, soft without being dense, and has that perfect warm, comforting aroma that fills your whole kitchen while it bakes. Whether you’re making this for a holiday breakfast, a snow-day treat, or just because you need a little chocolate in your life, this loaf never disappoints.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Banana Bread

Made with only 2 bananas
Uses a packet of hot chocolate mix for extra creamy cocoa flavor
Super moist, soft, and lightly fudgy
Easy one-bowl(ish) recipe
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

📌 Tips for the Best Chocolate Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas for sweetness and moisture.
Don’t skip the hot chocolate mix — it adds creaminess and depth.
Use room-temperature eggs so the batter mixes smoothly.
Don’t overmix or your loaf may turn dense.
Let it cool! Chocolate breads continue to set as they rest.

🧁 Optional Toppings

These toppings really add to the “hot chocolate” vibe:

Mini marshmallows (add during the last 10 minutes)
A drizzle of melted chocolate
A dusting of cocoa powder
Crushed peppermint for a holiday twist
A swirl of Nutella on top

🍌 What If My Bananas Aren’t Ripe Enough?

This recipe works best with spotty, soft, very ripe bananas.
If yours aren’t ready, try this quick hack:

Microwave Ripe Method

Poke the bananas with a fork and microwave for 30–60 seconds.
They’ll soften and sweeten instantly.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Yes! Here’s how:

Use coconut oil instead of butter
Use almond milk or oat milk
Use dairy-free chocolate chips
Choose a dairy-free hot cocoa mix

The texture stays extremely moist.

Variations & Flavor Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize. Try these fun twists:

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Banana Bread

Add:

½ tsp peppermint extract
crushed candy canes on top

2. Double Chocolate Chunk

Replace chocolate chips with large chocolate chunks for melty pools.

3. Mocha Banana Bread

Add:

1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder

4. Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Bread

Swirl ⅓ cup peanut butter into the batter before baking.

5. Marshmallow-Stuffed

Stir mini marshmallows into the batter for gooey pockets inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the hot chocolate mix?

Yes — it adds creaminess and sweetness. Without it, the flavor is more like traditional chocolate banana bread.

**Can I use hot cocoa powder instead of a packet?**

Absolutely! Use about 2–3 tablespoons.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes — bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the brown sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 packet hot chocolate mix (about 2–3 tbsp)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk (any kind)
½ cup chocolate chips (optional but SO good!)

🍫 What Makes This Banana Bread Taste Like Hot Chocolate?

The secret is simple:
✔ Hot chocolate mix
✔ Cocoa powder
✔ Chocolate chips

All three play a role in building layers of warm, creamy, nostalgic hot cocoa flavor. The banana keeps it unbelievably moist without overpowering the chocolate.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Banana Bread

Step 1 – Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray well with nonstick spray.

Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

flour
cocoa powder
hot chocolate mix
baking soda
baking powder
salt

Step 3 – Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

mashed bananas
melted butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla
milk

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4 – Combine

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Step 5 – Bake

Spread the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect).

Step 6 – Cool

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

❄️ Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Troubleshooting Guide

Bread too dense?

Likely caused by:

Overmixing
Too much flour
Underripe bananas

Bread sinking in the middle?

Usually from:

Underbaking
Too much liquid
Oven temperature inconsistency

Bread too dry?

Try:

Reducing the bake time
Using very ripe bananas
Adding an extra tablespoon of milk