Chocolate Banana Bread

Bananas are a funny thing. They are one of the few foods that can be and actually are good, when cooked the right way, when they outlive their shelf life. So many people throw away far too many bananas that turn brown. But brown, mushy bananas are really PERFECT for baking. I had some bananas that were perfect for some banana bread, chocolate banana bread at that too. 🙂

Once bananas start to get more brown than you desire, and we all have different degrees of banana ripeness, just put them in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to bake with them. Them pull them out and mash them up to go inside your batter.

Chocolate Banana Bread

This is a deliciously simple recipe to make. You can make the same loaf with applesauce instead of bananas too, for something a little different again.

1/2 cup or 1 stick softened butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed bananas, or about 2 bananas

1 tsp banana extract, optional

2/3 cup cocoa powder

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1-1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

chocolate ganache for topping, optional

Preheat the oven to 350* F or 180* C.

Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray.

Combine all the dry ingredients together and set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar together until light. Add the eggs, one at a time and beat in between each addition. Add the mashed bananas and banana extract if using, and mix again.

Add the flour mixture half at a time, mixing in between each addition. Fold in the chocolate chips. Then spoon into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool completely before removing from the pan.

You can definitely enjoy the banana loaf as is, of if you are like me and prefer a topping, you can drizzle some chocolate ganache on top before eating. Either way, I guarantee you are really going to enjoy this chocolate banana bread. 🙂

Life is short. Make sure you include plenty of chocolate to get you through the day. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.