Introduction
Welcome to a delightful baking adventure with our One Bowl Double Chocolate Banana Bread! This decadent bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and velvety chocolate chips, making it a chocolate lover’s paradise. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this easy recipe requires only a single bowl, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy that warm, comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas until they are perfectly blended together.
- Add in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is combined and the mixture is silky.
- Sprinkle the baking soda and a pinch of salt over the banana mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Now, sift in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder, and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring that each bite of batter will be bursting with chocolatey goodness.
- Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even rise.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, bringing that warm, inviting smell into your home.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key—you want to enjoy it at its best!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, feel free to add a bit more cocoa powder. This banana bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat later!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering banana bread is all about mixing techniques! Be sure to mash the bananas thoroughly for a smooth texture and to incorporate air into your batter. When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep your banana bread tender. And remember, every oven is unique, so watch your bread closely as it nears the end of baking time to achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
No problem! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can easily replace the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
How do I know when it’s done baking?
When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your scrumptious One Bowl Double Chocolate Banana Bread is ready to be enjoyed! This beautifully rich and moist bread is not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping all to yourself. So go ahead, slice it up, and savor each delicious bite!