How to make Chocolate Banana Bread – Easy Recipe

The kitchen becomes a sanctuary on those days when the world outside feels overwhelming, and the simple act of baking can be a grounding, almost meditative practice. It’s on such days that I find myself reaching for the comfort of ripe bananas and the rich promise of cocoa powder to create something truly special: Chocolate Banana Bread.

This isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth, a loaf that speaks to both the need for comfort and the desire for a touch of decadence. The bananas, perhaps a little too ripe for eating out of hand, are perfect here, their natural sugars heightened, ready to marry with the chocolate in a way that feels both indulgent and virtuous.

There’s a personal satisfaction in the alchemy of baking, in watching the transformation of humble ingredients into a treat that feels like a warm embrace. The swirls of chocolate through the banana-laden batter are not just visually pleasing but hint at the layers of flavor that await. This Chocolate Banana Bread is my ode to those moments when we seek solace in the kitchen, to the joy of creating something that nourishes both body and soul.

So let’s preheat our ovens and mash those bananas. Let’s whisk together the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chunks. Let’s bake away the cares of the day and fill our homes with the scent of chocolatey goodness. And when it’s done, let’s slice into that tender crumb and remember why we bake: for the love of it, for the comfort it brings, and for the sheer delight of that first, perfect bite.

 Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infusing the comforting, moist loaf with the rich intensity of cocoa. This treat marries the natural sweetness and soft texture of overripe bananas with the deep flavors of chocolate, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to those who enjoy a touch of decadence in their baked goods.

The process typically involves mashing ripe bananas to ensure moisture and sweetness, which allows for a reduction in added sugars. Cocoa powder is incorporated into the batter, giving the bread its chocolatey essence, while chunks or chips of chocolate can be added for additional bursts of flavor. The result is a tender, flavorful loaf with a chocolatey crumb that’s perfect for an indulgent breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even as a dessert.

Chocolate Banana Bread is not only a delicious way to use up bananas that are past their prime but also an opportunity to indulge in the comforting act of baking. It’s a simple yet rewarding recipe that yields a loaf with a rich taste and a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen during baking.

Chocolate Banana Bread

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 people

Calories 546 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Oven 

Ingredients

  

• Dry Ingredients
• ¾ cup Brown Rice Flour
• ½ cup Almond Meal
• ¼ cup Cconut Flour
• ¼ cup Flax Meal
• 1 cup Coconut Sugar
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 ½ tsps. Baking Powder
• ½ tsp Sea Salt
• ½ tsp Xanthan Gum
• 1 T Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – I use [url href=”https://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/hot-chocolate-mix.html” target=”_blank” title=”Lake Champlain’s Cocoa Powder”]Lake Champlain’s[/url] – it’s organic & fair trade
• 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
• 1/3 cup Cacao Nibs I use [url href=”https://navitasnaturals.com/product/439/Cacao-Nibs.html” target=”_blank” title=”Navitas Cocoa Nibs”]Navitas unsweetened nibs[/url] because I like the bitter taste balanced against the sweet. I also like to keep it lower-glycemic. You can use sweetened nibs or vegan chocolate chips if preferred
• Wet Ingredients
• 4 ripe bananas the browner the outside, the sweeter the inside
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup + 2 T cold pressed coconut oil

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Lightly oil the bottom of a standard loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5) with a little bit of coconut oil, and dust it with brown rice flour.
• Mash bananas, vanilla and coconut oil together with a potato masher or a hand mixer in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients except for the cacao nibs.
• Fold the dry ingredients + the cacao nibs into the wet and stir until smooth.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the center of a preheated oven about 45 minutes, until the loaf is firm.
• Test by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Cool the bread on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing, so that it doesn’t crumble.
• Enjoy

Video

Keyword Almond Meal, Brown Rice Flour

Cooking Tips

• Embrace the natural sweetness of overripe bananas; their caramelized undertones enrich the chocolatey notes.
• Sift cocoa powder for a smooth batter, ensuring an even chocolate distribution without lumps.
• Gently fold in chocolate chunks or chips for pockets of molten joy amidst the tender crumb.
• A dash of cinnamon can whisper subtle spice, complementing the chocolate and banana symphony.
• Bake with patience, allowing the loaf to cool slightly in the pan. This patience rewards you with slices that are clean-cut and flavors that have melded to perfection.

Serving suggestion

Serving Chocolate Banana Bread is an act of sharing comfort wrapped in rich, chocolatey goodness. I find joy in the simplicity of slicing the bread, revealing the moist, tender crumb marbled with melted chocolate that beckons a taste. A warm slice, perhaps with a smear of butter or a dollop of whipped cream, becomes an invitation to indulge in a moment of bliss.

I prefer to present it on a wooden board for a touch of rustic elegance, allowing the deep brown hues of the bread to stand out. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add just the right amount of sweetness and sophistication.

Offering this bread to loved ones feels like extending a piece of my heart, a homemade gesture of warmth and affection. It’s a comforting treat that turns a simple gathering into a memorable, cozy affair, full of shared smiles and contented sighs.