Why Make This Recipe
Rich Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the richness of chocolate. It’s a perfect way to use overripe bananas, turning them into a moist and delicious bread. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
How to Make Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir to combine.
- Add the flour and cocoa powder, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- If you like, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
Rich Chocolate Banana Bread is best enjoyed warm. You can slice it and serve it plain, or spread a little butter or cream cheese on top. It also pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
How to Store Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
You can store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for about a week. It also freezes well, so you can wrap it in foil and keep it in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Don’t over-mix the batter; mix until just combined for a tender bread.
- If you want extra chocolate flavor, increase the amount of cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
- Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can give a nice crunch to the bread.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegan by using plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of a regular egg. You can also swap regular sugar for coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
A: Yes, thawed frozen bananas work great. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Q: Why is my banana bread not rising?
A: Make sure your baking soda is fresh and that you mix the batter without over-mixing to avoid a dense loaf.
Q: How do I know when the banana bread is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
Rich Chocolate Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat combining ripe bananas and rich chocolate, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted butter.
- Mix in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, then stir to combine.
- Add the flour and cocoa powder, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- If you like, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Best enjoyed warm with butter or cream cheese. Pairs well with vanilla ice cream.