If you’re a fan of banana bread and chocolate, this Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. It’s the perfect combination of moist, flavorful banana bread packed with chunks of melty, rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or yourself, this banana bread will satisfy any sweet craving while still delivering that classic homemade banana bread flavor.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for added warmth and depth of flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (any kind: dairy or non-dairy)
Chocolate:
- 1 cup chocolate chunks (semi-sweet or dark chocolate)
- Optional: Extra chocolate chunks to sprinkle on top
Step-by-Step Instructions for preparing the Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay—they’ll add texture to the bread.
- Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the banana bread tough. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chunks
- Fold in the chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Chocolate chunks melt better than chips, giving you larger pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Step 6: Fill the Loaf Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If you want extra chocolate on top, sprinkle a few more chocolate chunks over the batter before baking.
Step 7: Bake the Banana Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few melted chocolate streaks are fine). The top should be golden brown, and the edges should start pulling away from the pan.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread
- Use extra ripe bananas: The riper and spottier the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag for a day or two.
- Choose the right chocolate: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks work best for this recipe, as they balance the sweetness of the bananas. Milk chocolate can be used but will make the bread sweeter.
- Add-ins: For some extra texture, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of shredded coconut.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread:
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the ripe bananas and butter, this bread stays moist for days.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The chocolate chunks melt into gooey pockets, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: This is a simple recipe that comes together in just one bowl with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: Serve a slice of this banana bread warm with a little butter for an extra decadent treat.
- Chocolate Spread: If you're a true chocolate lover, spread a little chocolate hazelnut spread or peanut butter on top.
- Freeze It: This banana bread freezes well. Slice it and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw a slice in the microwave for a quick snack.
Final Thoughts:
This Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread recipe is a winner whether you're baking for a family breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. The sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with rich, melty chocolate chunks, creates a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Enjoy this rich and satisfying treat that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of baked bananas and chocolate.
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