Chocolate Banana Bread
Chocolate Banana Bread is a delicious twist on classic banana bread, combining the rich flavor of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas, and the crunch of walnuts and chewiness of raisins. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins (or chocolate chips, if preferred)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins (or chocolate chips if using).
- Pour and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top starts to over-brown, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool:
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips:
- Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Mix-Ins: Feel free to substitute or add other mix-ins such as coconut flakes or dried fruit.
- Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This chocolate banana bread with walnuts and raisins is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, offering a rich chocolate flavor complemented by the texture of nuts and the sweetness of raisins. Enjoy!