You know how sometimes you want banana bread, but your brain’s also screaming for dessert and a vacation? Yeah, this is that loaf. Coconut Chocolate Banana Bread — it’s lush, rich, and somehow feels like you’re eating banana bread under a palm tree, wearing sunglasses, maybe regretting nothing for once.
I made this when I accidentally spilled shredded coconut into my regular banana bread batter (a happy chaos moment). The result? The coconut toasted up in the oven, the chocolate melted into swirly pockets of dark sweetness, and suddenly my whole kitchen smelled like a tropical bakery that also sells good decisions. The texture’s unreal — soft and buttery inside with that faint crisp chew from the coconut flakes. Oh, and those molten bits of chocolate? Life-changing.
This is banana bread that grew up, got a tan, and started listening to lo-fi on the beach. You’re welcome.
🎯 QUICK FACTS TABLE
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 55–65 minutes |
| Total Time: | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings: | 8–10 slices of pure bliss |
| Difficulty: | Easy, but feels fancy |
📝 INGREDIENTS
The Tropical Line-Up:
- 3 overripe bananas (those spotted ones — they’re your flavor heroes)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (smells nutty and warm — instant mood boost)
- ½ cup brown sugar (for that deep, caramel sweetness)
- 1 large egg (room temp — I forget this every time, so warm water bath trick saves me)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (always worth it)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (lightly spooned, no packing!)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened — your call, just toast lightly if you want extra oomph)
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (use chunks if you want melty lava moments)
Optional but dreamy: 2 tbsp coconut flakes for topping (they’ll toast golden and crisp — trust me).
👩🍳 HOW TO COOK!
1. Banana Smash Hour:
Mash those bananas in a big bowl. Go wild — you want a mostly smooth mush with little bits for texture. It should smell like tropical candy and freedom.
2. Melt & Mix:
Stir in melted butter and inhale deeply (that combo of butter + banana is straight serotonin). Then whisk in brown sugar, egg, and vanilla. It’ll look glossy, thick, and slightly sticky — exactly what you want.
3. The Dry Vibe:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Sprinkle in that cinnamon if you’re feeling spicy — not required, but I always do.
4. Bring the Magic Together:
Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix. You want a slightly lumpy, creamy batter that whispers “moist.”
5. Coconut & Chocolate — The Plot Twist:
Add your shredded coconut and chocolate chips. Stir just until they’re cozy together in the batter. It should look thick and studded with melty dreams.
6. Into the Pan We Go:
Grease or parchment-line your loaf pan, then pour in the batter. Sprinkle the top with a little extra coconut — it’s gonna toast into golden magic.
7. Bake & Smell Paradise:
Pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 55–65 minutes. About halfway through, the aroma will punch you in the face (in a good way) — buttery, chocolatey, toasty coconut heaven. You’ll know it’s done when the top’s bronzed and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few chocolate streaks are a good sign).
8. Chill Out (Kinda):
Let it rest 10–15 minutes. The crust will have that faint crisp edge, the inside a luscious, moist crumb. Slice it warm if you dare — the chocolate will literally drip.
📊 NUTRITION & TIPS
Pro-Tips Section: Little Tweaks, Big Results
- [Substitution/Time Saver] No butter? Coconut oil works beautifully — it amps up that tropical flavor.
- [Essential Technique Tip] Lightly toast your coconut flakes before adding them to the batter — the flavor gets deep, nutty, and next-level aromatic.
- [Flavor Upgrade] Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top before baking. Salted chocolate + coconut = divine.
❓ READERS ASKED, WE ANSWERED
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely! Swap butter for coconut oil and the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). It still turns out luscious and moist — no one will know.
Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of butter or oil?
A: You can sub half the butter for coconut milk if you want it extra light and creamy, but don’t skip all the fat — it’s what makes the loaf tender.
Q: My coconut on top burns — help?
A: Easy fix! Tent a piece of foil loosely over the top halfway through baking. It’ll protect the flakes and keep your loaf looking photo-perfect.