Recipe - Decadent Chocolate Banana Bread

Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread recipe. With the addition of rich, melted chocolate, this bread becomes a decadent treat that is perfect for chocolate lovers. The combination of moist banana and luscious chocolate creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Let's dive into the preparation and cooking time for this heavenly delight.

Preparation Time: approximately 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: around 50-60 minutes.

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
3 ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Method

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugars dissolve.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in a dense bread.

- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips into the batter. This will add an extra burst of chocolate in every bite.

- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark.

- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

- Slice and serve the Chocolate Banana Bread as desired. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.