Description
Moist and flavorful banana bread with a beautiful chocolate swirl. This easy recipe uses ripe bananas and simple ingredients for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar added)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana Bread Batter: Mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Create the Chocolate Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, hot water, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Marbling and Baking: Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Pour about two-thirds of the banana bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spoon the chocolate mixture over the batter in dollops.
- Pour the remaining banana bread batter over the chocolate mixture.
- Use a knife or skewer to swirl the chocolate mixture into the banana bread batter to create a marble effect.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough bread.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
- Baking times may vary; check for doneness around 50 minutes.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture (1/2 to 1 cup).
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Freeze for longer storage.
- Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes