Description
Indulgent chocolate banana bread marries rich cocoa with ripe bananas, creating a moist and irresistible treat. Home bakers can savor this delightful dessert that promises comfort and pure deliciousness in every delectable slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups overripe mashed banana
- 1 3/4 cup spelt, white, oat, or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
- 1/4 cup oil or milk of choice
- 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar
Leavening and Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Dutch cocoa or additional regular cocoa
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by generously coating a loaf pan with grease and lining it with parchment paper. Calibrate the oven to 350°F, ensuring an optimal environment for even baking.
- Create a smooth wet mixture by thoroughly mashing bananas while preserving tiny textural chunks. Incorporate vanilla extract, vinegar, oil, and preferred sweetener into a large mixing bowl, whisking until harmoniously blended.
- In a separate container, meticulously sift and combine cocoa powders, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure thorough integration to prevent uneven ingredient distribution.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a light texture. Incorporate chocolate chips delicately, avoiding overmixing which could compromise the bread’s tenderness.
- Transfer batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Strategically sprinkle additional chocolate chips across the top for visual appeal and extra flavor intensity.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. After initial baking, turn off the oven and allow the bread to rest inside for an additional 10 minutes without opening the door, facilitating gentle completion.
- Validate doneness by inserting a toothpick; if slight moisture remains, continue baking in 5-minute increments. Once fully cooked, remove and allow complete cooling at room temperature.
- For optimal flavor development, loosely cover and refrigerate overnight, permitting the bread’s taste profile to mature and texture to stabilize.
Notes
- Swap bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile and added moisture in the bread.
- Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas which naturally provide sweetness and can decrease added sweeteners.
- Enhance nutrition by incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for additional protein and healthy fats during the mixing stage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg