Viral Christmas Recipe: Chocolate Banana Bread
This Chocolate Banana Bread takes classic banana bread to a whole new level of indulgence. Dark, rich cocoa and bittersweet chocolate blend with ripe bananas to create a moist, ultra-chocolaty loaf. With hints of vanilla and a topping of caramelized bananas, this bread is perfect for anyone craving a treat that’s equal parts cake and snack. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (57 g) whole wheat flour
- ⅓ cup (28 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¼ tsp. baking soda
- ¾ tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt)
Wet Ingredients:
- 5 large very ripe bananas (4 mashed for batter, 1 for topping)
- 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (238 g) light brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Mix-Ins & Topping:
- 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. demerara sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the lower third. Coat a 9×5” loaf pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy lifting.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt for about 30 seconds. This helps combine the ingredients evenly. Set aside.
3: Mash the Bananas
In a small bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash 4 bananas until smooth. Reserve the fifth banana for the topping.
4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the light brown sugar and room-temperature butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Beat on medium speed until everything is combined (it may look slightly grainy, which is fine as it will smooth out with the flour).
5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter. Gently fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate.
6: Assemble the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slice the reserved banana lengthwise into three thick planks and lay them on top of the batter, cut side up. Sprinkle the loaf with demerara sugar to add a caramelized crunch.
7: Bake
Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (it’s okay if there’s some melted chocolate on it). Once done, transfer the loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
8: Serve
Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the banana bread out of the pan. Slice and enjoy your rich, chocolaty masterpiece.
Storage Tips
This Chocolate Banana Bread is excellent for meal prep or freezing:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadently Moist: Sour cream and ripe bananas keep the bread moist and flavorful.
- Perfectly Chocolaty: Cocoa powder and bittersweet chocolate create a rich chocolate flavor that’s intense without being too sweet.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Ideal for prepping in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
This Chocolate Banana Bread is a treat for chocolate lovers and banana bread enthusiasts alike. Try it, and you’ll understand why it’s taken TikTok by storm.
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