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Chocolate Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
easily mashable
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
packed, light or dark
- 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 a teaspoon if using salted butter
- 1 large egg
beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- 1
Prepare the pan and preheat oven: Butter or spray with cooking spray the inside of a 5x9-inch loaf pan. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the middle.
- 2
Puree the bananas: Using a blender, food processor, or a fork, puree the peeled ripe bananas until smooth. You should have 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups of banana puree.
- 3
Mix the wet ingredients and sugar: Place the banana puree into a large mixing bowl. Stir the melted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk to break up any clumps of brown sugar.
- 4
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and allspice.
- 5
Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture: Stir until just incorporated, then stir in the chocolate chips.
- 6
Bake: Pour the batter into the greased pan. Place in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 1 hour, until the loaf feels relatively firm and bounces back when you gently push the center top of the bread down with your finger. If the loaf still has some give, keep baking it.
- 7
Cool completely: Remove the bread from the oven, set it on a cooling rack, and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Gently remove the loaf from the pan and place on the rack to cool completely. Slice with a serrated bread knife to serve. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below?
Chocolate Banana Bread
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 126 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting slice of homemade goodness that’s rich with both banana and chocolate? This Chocolate Banana Bread recipe delivers a tender, deeply chocolatey loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite. Forget dry, bland banana breads; this version is designed to be moist and utterly satisfying.
Why This Chocolate Banana Bread Works
The magic in this recipe comes from a few key elements. You'll find a delightful double dose of chocolate, thanks to both natural unsweetened cocoa powder and plenty of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a deep, complex flavor. The generous amount of ripe bananas ensures a naturally moist crumb, while the brown sugar adds a wonderful richness and tender texture that’s simply irresistible.
What to Expect
Prepare your senses for a loaf that boasts a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Each bite of this chocolate banana bread offers a harmonious blend of sweet, ripe banana notes beautifully complemented by intense chocolate. The addition of a touch of ground allspice provides a subtle warmth that elevates the overall aroma and taste without being overpowering, making for a truly comforting experience. This bread is a delightful balance of familiar flavors with an extra touch of indulgence.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can easily adapt this chocolate banana bread. If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, you could reduce the amount of cocoa powder slightly, though we recommend embracing the double chocolate! For a different texture, try swapping half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even white chocolate. If you're not a fan of allspice, you can simply omit it, though its subtle warmth truly enhances the chocolate and banana.
Serving & Context
This tender Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a delightful breakfast treat, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. Serve slices warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent dessert.