Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is more than just a seasonal bake, it’s part of my story. I first discovered this flavor combo in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where ripe bananas never went to waste, and a hidden stash of dark chocolate was always within reach. One crisp autumn afternoon, she folded raspberries into our classic banana bread, and everything changed. The tart berries added just the right pop to the deep richness of the chocolate, and from that moment, it became a family favorite.
Years later, after cooking across continents and gathering recipes from streets, cafés, and home kitchens, I brought this nostalgic loaf to Fresh Leaf Rezepte. Now, it’s one of the most loved recipes I share. It’s simple, bold in flavor, and captures the essence of fall comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, gifting a loaf, or just craving something cozy, this Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread delivers warmth, richness, and joy with every slice.
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Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is more than just a seasonal bake, it’s a cozy, nostalgic loaf packed with ripe bananas, tart raspberries, and rich dark chocolate. Simple, bold, and perfect for chilly mornings or heartfelt gifts.
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup or packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or avocado)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen raspberries (keep frozen if using frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas with eggs, oil, vanilla, and maple syrup (or brown sugar) until smooth.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Gently fold in the raspberries and dark chocolate chunks. For a prettier loaf, save a few for the top.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best texture and flavor. Don’t overmix the batter. Use frozen raspberries straight from the freezer to prevent sogginess. Start checking doneness at 50 minutes. This loaf freezes beautifully, slice and store for an easy, cozy treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and seasonal fruits. Here’s everything you need to get started:
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup or packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or avocado)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- ¾ cup fresh or frozen raspberries (keep frozen if using frozen)
Notes:
- You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Brown sugar gives a classic richness; maple syrup offers a softer sweetness.
- Use quality dark chocolate (70%+) for best flavor.
Craving something even more indulgent? Try these banana bread chocolate chip cookies or the blueberry cinnamon swirl banana bread.
How to Make Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
You don’t need a mixer or special tools, just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan.
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas with eggs, oil, vanilla, and maple syrup (or brown sugar) until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Fold in Goodies
Gently fold in the raspberries and dark chocolate chunks. For a prettier loaf, save a few for the top.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Love easy loaf bakes? You’ll also enjoy this brown sugar pumpkin loaf or our banana zucchini bread.
Tips for Success
Use ripe bananas. Speckled bananas give the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix. Stir until the flour disappears, overmixing can make your loaf tough.
Use frozen raspberries straight from the freezer. This keeps the batter from getting soggy.
Check doneness early. All ovens vary. Start checking at 50 minutes.
Want something you can meal prep and freeze? This loaf freezes beautifully and still tastes fresh after reheating.

Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your pantry or preferences.
Gluten-Free
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. We tested it and it still bakes up soft and rich.
Add a Streusel Topping
Combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Crumble on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Nutty Twist
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of texture.
Dairy-Free
Use dairy-free dark chocolate and oil instead of butter (which this recipe already does!).
Looking for more cozy, gluten-free treats? Try these healthy pumpkin donut holes or our gluten-free sourdough bread.
Storage Recommendations
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 6 days, just bring to room temp before eating.
Freezer: Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Toast or microwave to reheat.
This Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is a bake-once, enjoy-often kind of recipe. It also makes a lovely gift wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about baking banana bread, but when you add juicy raspberries and deep dark chocolate, it becomes unforgettable. This Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is cozy, rich, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. It’s beginner-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a late-night treat, it brings comfort in every bite.
If you loved this recipe, don’t miss our white chocolate peppermint pie or caramelized bananas in the air fryer for more sweet inspiration.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes! Use them frozen so they don’t break down and turn the batter purple.
What’s the best type of chocolate to use?
Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is ideal. You can chop a bar or use quality dark chocolate chips.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely. Divide into a lined muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 pan. Adjust baking time accordingly.
