Description
This decadent Chocolate Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of cocoa and semi-sweet chocolate chips with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, baked to moist perfection and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. Ideal for a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/3 cups mashed bananas (about 4 small bananas)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which provides a good texture for the bread.
- Add Eggs and Bananas: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the mashed bananas thoroughly, combining all wet ingredients well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Then fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, set aside to cool in the pan.
- Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the half and half and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles gently around the edges.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Melt Chocolate Chips: Add the 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the warm mixture, whisking until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Cool and Drizzle: Transfer the chocolate glaze to a small bowl and let it cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the banana bread for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use very ripe bananas as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and half and half with plant-based alternatives.
- Check the bread at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking; oven temperatures can vary.
- The glaze can be refrigerated and gently reheated if it thickens too much before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Banana Bread, Banana Bread with Chocolate, Chocolate Glaze Banana Bread, Moist Banana Bread, Easy Banana Bread Recipe
