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Decadent Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

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Banana Chocolate Loaf Recipe

Overview

The Banana Chocolate Loaf is a delightful fusion of moist banana bread and rich chocolate, creating a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the indulgence of chocolate chips, all nestled in a tender, buttery crumb. It’s a favorite for both breakfast and dessert, offering a comforting slice of homemade goodness that’s sure to please.

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Breads
  • Keywords: Fruit, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
  • Calories per Serving: 640.9 kcal
  • Aggregated Rating: 4 stars (based on 4 reviews)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Fat: 27.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 86.5 mg
  • Sodium: 546 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 99.9 g
  • Fiber: 3.5 g
  • Sugars: 67.2 g
  • Protein: 6.7 g

Ingredients

  • Butter: ½ cup (softened)
  • Sugar: 1 ⅔ cups
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
  • Sour Cream: ¼ cup
  • Banana: 1 large, mashed
  • Cake Flour: 2 cups
  • Chocolate Chips: 2 cups

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan. This ensures that your loaf releases easily after baking.

  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter loaf.

  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until well combined.

  5. Dissolve Leavening Agents: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking powder and baking soda in the sour cream. This mixture helps to ensure that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

  6. Incorporate Bananas: Stir the mashed banana into the creamed mixture, adding moisture and flavor to the batter.

  7. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake flour to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  8. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

  9. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

  11. Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Banana Chocolate Loaf

  • Ripeness of Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even fully brown.

  • Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.

  • Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.

  • Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey treat, use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips.

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

  • Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.

  • Spices: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy undertone.

  • Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.

  • Breakfast: Serve slices with a spread of cream cheese or butter for a delicious breakfast option.

  • Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

FAQ

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour. However, cake flour gives a finer, more tender crumb due to its lower protein content.

Can I make this loaf in advance?
Absolutely! This loaf can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often improve after resting overnight. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its freshness.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

How do I prevent my loaf from sinking in the middle?
Ensure that you don’t overmix the batter and check that your oven is at the correct temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door during the initial stages of baking.

A Deeper Dive into the Ingredients

  1. Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the loaf. The creaming of butter and sugar creates a light, airy texture.

  2. Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps with browning, giving the crust a delicious caramelized flavor.

  3. Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add structure and moisture to the loaf.

  4. Vanilla: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements both the banana and chocolate.

  5. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.

  6. Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both are leavening agents that help the loaf rise. The baking soda also reacts with the acidity in the sour cream and banana for additional lift.

  7. Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to a tender crumb.

  8. Banana: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and flavor. The mashed banana also contributes to the loaf’s tender texture.

  9. Cake Flour: Creates a finer crumb due to its lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour.

  10. Chocolate Chips: Offer pockets of melted chocolate throughout the loaf, enhancing its richness.

Additional Notes

This Banana Chocolate Loaf recipe from lovewithrecipes.com offers a scrumptious twist on classic banana bread, making it a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, serve it as an afternoon snack, or impress guests with a homemade dessert, this loaf is sure to satisfy.

For a more personalized touch, you can experiment with adding other ingredients such as dried fruits, different types of nuts, or even a dash of liqueur for a gourmet finish. The balance of sweet bananas and rich chocolate in a tender, buttery loaf is what makes this recipe a standout.

Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this delectable Banana Chocolate Loaf!

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