Description: This Triple Chocolate Banana Bread is a decadent twist on the classic banana bread, with three types of chocolate — cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and melted chocolate — creating a rich, indulgent treat. The ripe bananas ensure a moist and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. It’s the ideal dessert, snack, or breakfast for any chocolate lover!
Origin: Banana bread is a traditional American quick bread that became popular during the 1930s, especially during the Great Depression. The addition of chocolate to banana bread is a modern twist, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich flavor of chocolate.
Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):
For the Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate (or 4 oz chopped dark chocolate)
Optional Toppings or Add-ins:
- Additional chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- A drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra richness
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the chocolate: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and the melted dark chocolate. The batter will be thick and rich.
- Pour the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs). If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until done.
- Cool the bread: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and serve once cooled. You can also drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for Success:
- Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will be. Overripe bananas work best!
- Chocolate choice: You can customize the chocolate in the bread by using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
- Moisture: If you prefer a moister bread, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to the batter for extra richness.
- Freezing: This banana bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Recommendations:
- Serve this banana bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a luxurious dessert.
- Perfect with a cup of coffee, milk, or a hot cocoa on a chilly day!
Nutrition (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 280-320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
This Triple Chocolate Banana Bread is a decadent, chocolatey twist on the classic banana bread that’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate!