Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate

This Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe is an absolute game changer — think sweet, salty, and chocolatey all in one bite. If you love cozy baking projects that impress, you’re gonna adore this combo.

A loaf cake with two layers is shown on a silver tray over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden-brown bread filled with small dark spots, indicating chocolate chips or small chocolate pieces. The top layer is a thick orange frosting that is spread unevenly and dripping slightly down the side. The frosting is topped with scattered milk chocolate chips and some small red dried pieces, likely dried fruit. To the left and right of the tray are white bowls, one with a few dried pieces and the other filled with chocolate chips. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe — my kitchen smelled like a little slice of heaven. It’s the perfect mix of comforting banana bread with a surprising burst of candied bacon crunch and melty chocolate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Unexpected Flavor Fusion: The salty-sweet candied bacon paired with chocolate chips elevates traditional banana bread into a sophisticated treat.
Simple Ingredients: No weird or hard-to-find stuff here — you probably have most of these in your pantry!
Perfect Texture: Moist and tender crumb with gooey chocolate and crispy bacon bits—each bite’s a delightful contrast.
Great for Gifting or Breakfast: It’s indulgent enough for a special brunch but casual enough for your morning coffee fix.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together classic banana bread staples with a few twists—like peanut butter and sour cream—that keep the bread moist and add layers of flavor. The candied bacon adds that savory crunch, and chocolate chips bring melty pockets of sweetness.

Flat lay of crispy uncooked bacon slices, a small white bowl of packed light brown sugar, a cluster of shiny dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking soda powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, three large ripe peeled bananas, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, a small white bowl of full-fat sour cream, a small white bowl of creamy peanut butter, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of golden honey, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and a small white bowl of vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: Choose thick-cut for the best texture when candying it; it holds up well and crisps beautifully.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses taste; essential for the candying process and the bread’s sweetness.
Ripe bananas: The riper, the better — more natural sweetness and strong banana flavor.
Chocolate chips or chunks: Tossed in flour to prevent sinking, so you get chocolate in every bite.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender; I find neutral-flavored oil works best to not overpower the other tastes.
Full-fat sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing the sweet elements perfectly.
Peanut butter: This sneaky addition brings richness and a subtle nuttiness that pairs amazingly with banana and chocolate.
Eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt: These classics do their jobs helping with rise, flavor, and structure.
Glaze ingredients (peanut butter, honey, powdered sugar): The shiny finish and extra peanut butter flavor tie everything together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe, since it’s so versatile. You can dial up the bacon for that salty hit, or swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different nutty twist.

Variation: Once, I added chopped walnuts for extra crunch, which was a delicious surprise. If you want it dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a great stand-in for sour cream.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe

A slice of brown banana bread with dark chocolate chips mixed inside is placed on a white plate with a fork next to it. The slice has a thick layer of smooth, orange-tan frosting on top, sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips and small bits of candied orange peel. Behind the plate, the rest of the loaf sits on a metal tray, showing the same texture inside and covered with the same frosting and toppings. The background features a white towel with blue stripes, a yellow banana, and small white bowls with chocolate chips and candied orange pieces on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Candy the Bacon for Blissful Crunch

Start by cooking your bacon slices on low heat—this takes patience but renders out plenty of fat for that crisp finish. Once cooked through, drain the fat and add brown sugar to the pan. Toss carefully to coat each strip, then let it caramelize on low heat for about 5–6 minutes. The smell here is addicting! Let the candied bacon cool completely before chopping into bite-sized pieces. Trust me, this step is worth the little extra time it takes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan & Dry Ingredients

While the bacon cools, preheat your oven to 350°F, and grease a 9x5 loaf pan with baking spray. Lining it with parchment paper helps the bread come out clean and easy. Then whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt. Simple but key for a tender crumb!

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your mashed bananas, granulated and brown sugars, vegetable oil, full-fat sour cream, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and combined. The peanut butter and sour cream are what make this banana bread extra moist—don’t skip them.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Chocolate

Next, toss your chocolate chips with one tablespoon of flour to stop them from sinking, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients mixed with your dry ones. Stir just enough to blend — overmixing is the enemy of moist banana bread!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Start checking around 50 minutes by poking a toothpick in; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let the bread cool in the pan 5 minutes to set before flipping out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze and Assemble

Whisk together peanut butter, honey, and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this glaze over your cooled banana bread, then generously sprinkle with the candied bacon pieces and extra chocolate for an irresistible finish. Slice and dig in!

Top Tip

From my many banana bread adventures, here are a few nuggets that truly changed the game. These tips will help you nail this recipe the first time and every time after.

Low and Slow Bacon: Cooking bacon low and slow prevents burning and ensures the sugar caramelizes evenly, making perfect candied bacon.
Toss Chocolate Chips in Flour: I can’t stress this enough — it stops them from sinking to the bottom and getting lost in the bake.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir just until no flour streaks remain; this keeps your bread tender, not tough.
Let It Cool Fully Before Glazing: Applying the glaze while the bread is warm makes it melt and run off, so patience here is key.

How to Serve Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe

The image shows a single deep rectangular white baking dish filled with light golden batter mixed with small dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. The batter looks smooth with some shiny spots and slight unevenness on the surface, creating gentle waves and texture. The white marbled surface underneath adds contrast to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling extra chopped candied bacon and a handful of chocolate chips on top after glazing. Sometimes I add a few toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch. It just makes every slice feel a little extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread is a star on its own, but I’ve served it alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple ricotta spread with honey for brunch. For a savory twist, a cup of smoky coffee or chai pairs wonderfully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this to a party, consider slicing it into bite-sized squares and placing toothpicks topped with mini candied bacon pieces. I’ve also wrapped thin slices in wax paper tied with twine as gifts — it always elicits oohs and ahhs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture. It stays great for about 3 days, but I doubt you have leftovers that long!

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag—so easy to grab one at a time. Defrost at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, and they taste almost as fresh as the day you baked them.

Reheating

To revive that freshly-baked warmth, pop a slice into the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This brings back the melty chocolate and soft crumb without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be candied just like pork bacon; cook it gently and watch the sugar caramelize. The flavor will be a bit lighter but still delicious.

How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf around 50 minutes in. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it needs more time, check every 5 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors of the candied bacon and chocolate will still shine through.

How should I store leftover candied bacon?

Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it crisp. You can reheat it gently in a pan or microwave before adding to your next slice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with this Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe as much as I have. It’s one of those dishes that’s fun to make and even more fun to share, with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and indulgent notes. Whether you’re baking for friends or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite — go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the smiles it will bring around your kitchen table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Bread with Candied Bacon and Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Candy the Bacon for Blissful Crunch