Irresistibly Moist Chocolate Banana Bread - VLOGMAS DAY 3

This moist delicious Banana bread makes it to day three of my #VLOGMAS2021 journey. This bread week is proving to be fun coming up with recipe ideas that I can add to my challenge. I love that banana bread gives you both that healthy-ish feel and dessert feel all in one because it is almost like eating cake! Banana bread is a type of bread made from mashed bananas.It is often a moist, sweet, cake-like quick bread; however there are some banana bread recipes that are traditional-style raised breads.  There are various variations of the banana bread which include, Banana raisin bread, Banana nut bread (often featuring chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans or almonds), Chocolate chip banana bread (featuring chocolate chips), Banana bread muffins, Vegan banana bread (made without eggs or dairy products), Blueberry banana bread (or other fruits such as raspberry or orange to add additional flavours and more. There's something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the kitchen. The rich, moist texture, the sweet aroma of ripe bananas, and the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla – it all combines to create a slice of pure nostalgia. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, our Moist Banana Bread recipe with 2 cups of all-purpose flour is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Who Is This Recipe For?

This Moist Chocolate Banana Bread recipe is for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It's for the dedicated home baker looking to impress friends and family with a delightful homemade treat. It's also for the busy parent seeking a scrumptious and nutritious snack for the kids. And, of course, it's for anyone who adores the classic combination of chocolate and bananas.

Why It's Great

1. Moist Perfection: The name says it all – this banana bread is incredibly moist, thanks to the ripe bananas and careful blending of ingredients. Say goodbye to dry and crumbly loaves!
2. Chocolate Lover's Dream: For all you chocoholics out there, this recipe doesn't skimp on the cocoa goodness. It's a chocolate lover's dream come true.
3. Kid-Friendly: Children adore this bread, making it an excellent way to sneak some nutritious bananas into their diet without them even realizing it.
4. Versatile: This bread is fantastic as a snack, breakfast, or even a dessert. Enjoy it warm out of the oven or toasted with a slather of butter – the choice is yours.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

Before we start, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups of mashed bananas (about 4 ripe bananas)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
• 1 cup of chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended for chocolate lovers)

Kitchen Equipment

To make this Moist Chocolate Banana Bread, you'll need the following kitchen equipment:

• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or an electric mixer
• A spatula
• A loaf pan (9x5 inches)
• Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
• Cooling rack

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the large eggs and vanilla essence to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

5. Mash the Bananas

• In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas. A few small lumps are okay; they add character to the bread.

6. Combine Wet Ingredients

• Gradually add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture, blending well after each addition.

7. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

• Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

8. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

• If you're a chocolate enthusiast, fold in the chocolate chips. They'll melt and create pockets of chocolatey goodness throughout the bread.

9. Bake

• Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool and Enjoy

• Allow your moist chocolate banana bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

• To make this recipe even more indulgent, add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter.
• If you're watching your sugar intake, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. The ripe bananas will still provide natural sweetness.
• Don't rush the baking process. A slower, even bake ensures the bread is moist and perfectly cooked throughout.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? A1: While you can use whole wheat flour, it will yield a denser texture. If you prefer a lighter loaf, use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.

Q2: How should I store leftovers? A2: To keep your banana bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for several months.

Q3: Any ideas for flavor variations? A3: Absolutely! You can experiment with different add-ins like shredded coconut, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist.

Pairings

This Moist Chocolate Banana Bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of steaming coffee in the morning or a glass of cold milk for an afternoon treat. For an extra indulgent experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.