Description
Sweet chocolate banana bread promises a delightful fusion of rich cocoa and ripe bananas, creating a moist, indulgent treat. Chocolate lovers will savor each heavenly slice, finding comfort in this irresistible homemade classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (~1 ¼ cups)
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter/coconut oil)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- ¾ cup (130 g) chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), ensuring the baking environment is perfectly prepared for your decadent chocolate banana bread.
- Meticulously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then carefully line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, creating a foolproof non-stick surface for easy removal.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients, whisking flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
- Mash the ripe bananas into a smooth, creamy consistency, ensuring no large chunks remain to disrupt the bread’s delicate texture.
- In a separate vessel, vigorously whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy.
- Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet ingredient mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with deliberate, careful strokes to prevent overmixing and maintain the bread’s tender crumb.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a delightful chocolate surprise in every slice.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee uniform baking.
- Test the bread’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully lifting out using the parchment paper edges.
- Complete the cooling process on a wire rack, allowing the bread to set and develop its full flavor profile before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are overripe with dark brown spots for maximum sweetness and deeper flavor.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep the bread’s soft texture.
- Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a decadent, melty chocolate layer that creates a beautiful presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg