Delicious Chocolate Banana Bread
Ah, chocolate banana bread. The aroma alone evokes warm kitchens and cozy memories. But achieving that perfect balance of moist crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and subtle sweetness can be tricky. Fear not, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of chocolate banana bread, guided by the wisdom of Tyler Florence and a sprinkle of my personal touch.
The Magic of Simplicity:
Tyler Florence’s philosophy resonates deeply: good food starts with good ingredients and straightforward techniques. His chocolate banana bread recipe embodies this perfectly, offering an accessible entry point for baking novices and seasoned pros alike. Remember, over-baking is the enemy of moistness! Keep a watchful eye and resist the urge to peek too often.
Precision & Patience: Baking’s Golden Rules:
Baking, unlike freestyle cooking, thrives on precision. Every oven has its quirks, and even heating can be elusive. Invest in a reliable cake tester (not a fork!), your loyal companion in gauging doneness. Remember, a few minutes can make all the difference between gooey perfection and dry disappointment
Ingredient Nirvana: Quality Matters:
Organic bananas lend a depth of flavor, while a premium chocolate brand like Askanya elevates the experience. Yes, good chocolate might cost a bit more, but trust us, your taste buds will thank you. After all, baking is an investment in happiness, and quality ingredients are the foundation.
Ready to Bake? My Version Awaits:
We’ve included Tyler’s original recipe with my flavorful notes below. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a delicious journey. Remember, baking is about more than just following instructions; it’s about creativity, joy, and sharing the warmth of homemade goodness. Happy baking!
How to make Chocolate Banana Bread
This recipe is a delightful take on classic chocolate banana bread, combining the simplicity of Tyler Florence’s approach with my personal touch for an extra flavor boost. Here’s what you’ll need to bake this moist and flavorful loaf:
Ingredients:
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened, plus extra for greasing the pan.
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- Sweeteners: 3/4 cup sugar for a touch of sweetness.
- Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup for rich chocolatey depth.
- Leavening Agents: 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder for lift and 1 teaspoon kosher salt for balance.
- Chocolate: 4 ounces of bittersweet chocolate, melted, adds decadent chocolate flavor.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs to bind the ingredients.
- Bananas: 3 very ripe bananas, mashed, create a moist texture and subtle banana flavor.
- Flavorings: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for a warm spice note, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for a touch of zing.
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter.
- Dry Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Wet Mix: In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the melted chocolate, then add the eggs, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine & Bake: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and savor your delicious homemade chocolate banana bread!
Tips:
While Tyler’s recipe shines, I felt compelled to add her unique spin. A touch of nutmeg and ginger alongside a boost of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, creating a symphony of warmth and comfort. Remember, baking is personal! Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own flavor haven.
- Use organic bananas for a deeper flavor.
- Invest in good quality bittersweet chocolate for a richer taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
- Share your baked masterpiece with loved ones!
Enjoy this moist and flavorful chocolate banana bread, a perfect treat for any occasion!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your chocolate banana bread masterpieces with us! Tag us on social media, and let’s celebrate the magic of baking together.
Chocolate Banana Bread
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened, plus more for the pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 very ripe bananas
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit. Butter a 9 by 5 inch loaf pan. Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and nutmeg, ground ginger, salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, cream, the butter until lightened, then beat in the chocolate, eggs, banana, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined. Do not over-beat.
- Pour the batter into the load pan and bake until a toothpick stuck into the center of the bread comes out almost clean. 50 to 60 minutes minutes. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for at lead 15 minutes before un-molding.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
