Rich Chocolate Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food, blending the delightful flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate. This moist, decadent loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this crave-worthy recipe, where sweet bananas meet luscious chocolate goodness!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) melted butter or neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (130 g) chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Optional: 1 banana (sliced lengthwise, for topping)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon raw sugar for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5 loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using) to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently stir in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. If desired, add banana slices on top and sprinkle with raw sugar.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Nutrition Info (per slice): Approx. 200 calories, 8g fat, 30g carbs, 2g protein
How to serve
Rich Chocolate Banana Bread can be served warm or at room temperature. Slice it and enjoy it plain, or spread a little butter or nut butter on top for added richness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For an extra special brunch, top it with whipped cream, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This banana bread is also perfect for gift-giving, so consider wrapping it up for friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
2. How should I store the leftover banana bread?
Store any leftover Rich Chocolate Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
3. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can decrease the sugar by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting the texture, though the bread may be less sweet. Consider adding more chocolate chips for sweetness if desired.