Chocolate Banana Bread Made Irresistible with Cake Mix

Double Chocolate Banana Bread with Cake Mix: The Ultimate Recipe

Craving a decadent treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! Our double chocolate banana bread recipe, made with a simple cake mix, is the perfect solution. This recipe transforms overripe bananas into a moist, flavorful loaf that your family will absolutely love. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this banana bread is sure to be a hit.

Chocolate banana bread in a parchment-lined loaf pan, fresh out of the oven.
Freshly baked double chocolate banana bread.

We’ve all been there – a bunch of bananas sitting on the counter, slowly turning browner and browner. Instead of tossing them, why not turn them into something extraordinary? This recipe builds upon the success of our popular basic banana bread recipe, taking it to the next level with the addition of rich chocolate flavor. By cleverly using a cake mix, we’ve streamlined the process, making it easier than ever to bake a truly exceptional banana bread.

This recipe requires just a few key ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of ripe bananas, chocolate cake mix, and eggs creates a batter that’s both moist and flavorful. And, of course, we highly recommend adding chocolate chips for that extra boost of chocolatey goodness!

Baking from scratch can be time-consuming and require a pantry full of ingredients. Our cake mix method simplifies things without sacrificing flavor or texture. In fact, we believe this method creates a banana bread that’s even more moist and delicious than traditional recipes. Plus, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a homemade treat, costing just a few dollars per loaf.

Ingredients for chocolate banana bread: eggs, banana, chocolate chips, and cake mix.
Essential ingredients for double chocolate banana bread.

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible double chocolate banana bread:

  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Choose a Devil’s Food cake mix for the richest chocolate flavor. Brands like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker work well. Opt for a mix that includes pudding for an even moister bread.
  • Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. Avoid using bananas that are completely black, as they may be too mushy.
  • Eggs: Use large eggs for the best results. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to help them incorporate more easily into the batter.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are our go-to, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips. Reserve some for sprinkling on top before baking.

Can You Add Nuts?

Absolutely! If you enjoy nuts in your banana bread, feel free to add about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. However, be mindful not to add too many nuts, as they can weigh down the batter. If you prefer a softer texture, you can omit the nuts altogether.

Chocolate Banana Bread batter with chocolate chips in a parchment-lined loaf pan.
Batter ready for the oven.

How Long to Bake Cake Mix Chocolate Banana Bread

Baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. For a standard loaf pan, bake the banana bread for approximately 45-55 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep a close eye on it.

To prevent the bread from sticking, we recommend lining the loaf pan with parchment paper. This also makes it easy to lift the bread out of the pan once it’s cooled. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This will ensure it maintains its tender texture.

How to Use Parchment Paper in a Loaf Pan

Lining a loaf pan with parchment paper can be tricky, but there’s a simple trick to make it easier. Crumple the parchment paper into a ball, then smooth it out and press it into the pan. The creases will help the paper stay in place.

How Long to Bake Chocolate Banana Bread Muffins with Cake Mix

Prefer muffins over a loaf? No problem! This recipe can easily be adapted to make delicious chocolate banana bread muffins. Simply fill muffin cups about two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Muffins are a great option when you’re short on time or want individual portions.

For easy cleanup, use paper muffin liners. Once the muffins are baked, allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slices of moist chocolate banana bread made with cake mix.
Delicious slices of double chocolate banana bread.

How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The toothpick test isn’t always the best indicator of doneness, especially for moist baked goods. Instead, look for a golden-brown crust and a slightly domed top. Gently press the center of the bread with your finger. If it springs back, it’s likely done. If you do use a toothpick, it should come out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.

Cake Mix Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Our easy double chocolate banana bread with cake mix is the best ripe bananas recipe with chocolate chips to enjoy for breakfast or dessert.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9×5 Loaf Pans (2) or half recipe to make 1 loaf
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix, 15 oz., Devils Food used
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 large bananas, brown, ripe, mashed
  • 3 cups chocolate chips, semi sweet

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). Mix together everything except keep 1 cup chocolate chips aside to put on top.
  2. Line 2 loaf pans with parchment paper and divide batter in half between the two.
  3. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top of both loaves. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out mostly clean but with moist crumbs attached.
  4. Allow to cool in pan for 5-10 minutes before lifting loaf out with the parchment paper, set on cooling rack to cool before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

You can use the same batter to make muffins in a muffin tin. Add paper liners and fill 3/4 of the way full and only bake for 18 minutes or until when lightly touched in the center they spring back. Remove from hot pan and transfer to cooling rack and enjoy.

Nutrition

(Approximate values per serving)

  • Calories: 640kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 111g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 103mg
  • Sodium: 381mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 79g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Enjoy your delicious double chocolate banana bread! Be sure to share your creations with us on social media using #chocolatebananabread.