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Chocolate Banana Bread

  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 1hour 15minutes

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)

  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

  • A pinch of sea salt for topping (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Bananas: The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor to the bread. They also enhance the soft texture, making the bread melt in your mouth.

  • Cocoa Powder: The cocoa powder infuses the bread with a rich chocolate flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas.

  • Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the bread, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.

  • Chocolate Chips: The melted chocolate chips throughout the bread create pockets of gooey chocolate, making each bite extra special.

  • Buttermilk or Yogurt: Adding buttermilk or yogurt helps to keep the bread moist while also providing a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.

Instructions

Prepare the Banana Bread Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

  2. Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure to leave a few chunks for added texture.

  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas.

  4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

  5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the bread remains soft and moist.

  6. Add the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Chocolate Banana Bread:

  1. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

  2. Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be firm and slightly cracked.

  3. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and Serve:

 

  1. Slice into Bars: Once the bread is fully cooled, slice it into thick pieces, depending on your preferred size.

  • Prep Time: 15minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 3g

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Find it online: https://iheartcooks.com/chocolate-banana-bread/