Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

If you’re wondering what goes well with chocolate banana bread, let me paint you a picture. Imagine a slice of that decadent banana bread, slightly warm, perhaps still steaming. 

Now, add a pat of butter melting into those crevices. Or envision it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee – the rich bitterness of the coffee perfectly balancing the sweetness of the bread.

Want to elevate the experience? Serve it with fresh fruit on the side! Berries, particularly strawberries or raspberries, offer a light burst of tartness that complements the sumptuous chocolate. 

For a simple indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a luscious pairing, turning your slice into a delightful dessert. You could even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for the sweet-toothed out there.

What is Chocolate Banana Bread?

Chocolate banana bread is a delectable quick bread made by incorporating mashed bananas into a batter with cocoa powder and chocolate chips. 

This moist bread provides a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, making it an all-time favorite. Unlike traditional banana bread, the addition of cocoa powder elevates it into dessert territory.

What Does It Taste Like?

The combination of sweet, ripe bananas and rich chocolate creates a harmony of flavors. It’s like eating a cake, but without the fuss. Each bite bursts with moisture, thanks to the bananas, and the chocolate chips add a delightful surprise. 

The bread is tender with a crumb that holds together perfectly. You won’t find yourself wishing for a drier texture. It’s pure magic.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

I’ve scrutinized many recipes to arrive at the perfect chocolate banana bread. Here are a few reasons why this one stands out:

1. Ripe Bananas Make All the Difference
Ripe bananas are sweeter and provide essential moisture to the bread. With their natural sugars, they negate the need for excessive added sugar.

2. Oil and Butter Combination
The blend of melted butter and oil keeps the bread incredibly moist without making it greasy. The butter provides flavor, while the canola oil ensures perfect texture.

3. Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder
Using Dutch-processed cocoa creates a smoother, richer chocolate flavor. It’s not just a gimmick; this cocoa has a different acidity level that balances out the sweetness from the bananas beautifully.

4. Chocolate Chips Galore
Who doesn’t love the surprise of melting chocolate in every bite? I chuck in a generous amount of chocolate chips to elevate the flavor and make the bread extra special.

Ingredients for Chocolate Banana Bread

Let’s run down the ingredient list you’ll need.

• 3 ripe brown bananas (about 1½ cups mashed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
• ¼ cup canola oil or melted coconut oil
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)

Step by Step Instructions

Don’t worry; the steps to make this chunky, sweet delight are as simple as pie.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will let the heat distribute evenly, ensuring your bread bakes perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent the bread from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash those ripe bananas until smooth using a fork or a potato masher. You want a well-combined mash – the smoother, the better.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, canola oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk everything together until combined. Make sure your butter is cooled to avoid scrambling the egg!

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisk these dry ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Just make sure everything is incorporated.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Stir in about three-quarters of the chocolate chips to the batter. Don’t be shy; you can even toss in some extra if you’re feeling indulgent.

Step 8: Pour and Top the Batter

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for a nice chocolatey finish.

Step 9: Bake

Pop it in the oven! Bake for 50-60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool

Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Here are some tips to make your chocolate banana bread even better:

• Upgrade Your Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
• Don’t Rush: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. It might be tempting, but patience rewards you with neater slices.
• Use Leftover Bananas: If you have extra bananas lying around, they can be used in smoothies or pancakes.
• Storage Conditions: For best results, store the bread in an airtight container to keep it moist.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the bread for up to three months. Just wrap them well!

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough breakdown per slice

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g

How to Store the Leftovers?

To keep your chocolate banana bread fresh, put it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. 

Just slice it up, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then seal it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for about three months. Whenever you’re ready for another taste, just let it thaw at room temperature.

Sides for Chocolate Banana Bread

If you’ve got your bread ready, consider these delightful side options:

1. Large Dollop of Whipped Cream
A generous scoop can elevate the bread to dessert status. Light and airy, it pairs well with the rich, chocolaty flavor.

2. Fresh Berries
Serve with strawberries or blueberries. Not only do they provide a pop of color, but they also give a refreshing contrast.

3. Nut Butter
Spread a layer of almond or peanut butter for a protein boost. The creamy texture complements the fluffy bread beautifully.

4. Ice Cream or Yogurt
For an indulgent dessert experience, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Divine!

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

Cooking can be flexible! Here are some alternatives if you find yourself short on an ingredient:

1. Butter Substitutes
Use coconut oil or applesauce instead of unsalted butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Each lends its own character to the bread.

2. Sugar Alternatives
Coconut sugar or honey can replace brown sugar, though you may need to adjust measurements slightly for liquid content.

3. Flour Substitutes
Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for an added dose of fiber and nutrients.

4. Chocolate Options
Dark chocolate chips can replace semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor and lower sugar content.

Conclusion

Chocolate banana bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a journey into comfort food. Baking feeds not only the body but the soul. The union of banana and chocolate creates a flavor that is both familiar and exciting. This recipe is one you’ll want in your rotation, standing the test of time. 

Whether you make it for breakfast, a sweet snack, or as a dessert after dinner, it’s bound to please. So grab those ripe bananas, don your apron, and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!

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