Choco-Nut Banana Bread
Transform your overripe bananas into a delightful treat with this Choco-Nut Banana Bread! Infused with rich cocoa and crunchy walnuts, this twist on the classic will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, it's a delicious way to use those bananas before they go to waste.
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Ingredients for Choco-Nut Banana Bread
The base of this recipe starts with granulated sugar and unsalted butter creamed together to create a light, fluffy texture. Adding eggs helps bind everything together while providing richness. The star, of course, are the overripe bananas, which add moisture and sweetness. You’ll also need all-purpose flour to give the bread its structure. To help it rise, we mix in baking soda. Unsweetened cocoa powder adds a chocolatey depth, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. A dash of vanilla extract rounds everything out with warmth. Finally, chopped walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips are folded in for texture and extra indulgence.
Choco-Nut Banana Bread Tips & Tricks
- If your bananas aren’t overripe yet, bake them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the skins are blackened; let them cool before using.
- Use parchment paper to line your loaf pan for even easier removal.
- Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas for Choco-Nut Banana Bread
This Choco-Nut Banana Bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a breakfast treat, toast a slice and spread with a bit of butter or cream cheese. A sprinkle of sea salt on a warm slice can also elevate the chocolate flavors marvelously.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of nut?
- Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would both work well in this recipe.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Can I add more chocolate chips?
- Yes, feel free to increase the chocolate chips to 3/4 cup if you’re a chocoholic!
Choco-Nut Banana Bread Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, generously grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread will slide out smoothly after baking. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract; this mixture might look a bit lumpy, and that’s perfectly fine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a dense bread.
Finally, fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why This Choco-Nut Banana Bread Works
- Combines the goodness of bananas with the decadence of chocolate.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Freezes well, so you can always have a slice ready for unexpected guests.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 overripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- 3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- 4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix until just combined.
- 6. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
- 7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- 8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.