Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread combines the rich flavors of ripe bananas with the indulgent taste of chocolate. This easy-to-make bread is moist, slightly tangy from the Greek yogurt, and packed with chocolate chips, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. The cocoa powder enhances the banana flavor, while the melty chocolate chips create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, melted butter, Greek yogurt, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

Variations

• Nutty Banana Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bread.
• More Chocolate: For an extra indulgent version, fold in some mini chocolate chips in addition to the regular chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the Greek yogurt and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bread at room temperature, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the banana bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, slice and microwave the bread for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?
   Yes, you can use any yogurt of your choice. Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness, but regular yogurt will work too.
2. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
   This recipe already uses all-purpose flour, so you’re good to go! However, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture.
3. Can I use non-dairy butter?
   Yes, you can substitute the butter with non-dairy butter if you are vegan or dairy-sensitive.
4. What can I substitute the chocolate chips with?
   You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate, cocoa nibs, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
5. Can I add other fruits to this banana bread?
   Yes, you can add berries or chopped apples to this recipe, but be sure to adjust the baking time if you add extra moisture.
6. Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
   Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for banana bread as they provide more sweetness and moisture.
7. How do I know when the bread is done?
   Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
8. Can I make this into muffins instead of bread?
   Yes, you can make this recipe into muffins. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. What’s the best way to mash the bananas?
   The best way to mash bananas is with a fork or potato masher. Aim for smooth but slightly chunky mashed bananas.
10. Can I add frosting or glaze to this bread?
    Yes! A simple cream cheese glaze or chocolate ganache would be a delicious addition to this already indulgent bread.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of chocolate and banana flavors. Moist, rich, and studded with chocolate chips, it’s a fantastic treat for any time of day. Whether you serve it as breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this banana bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

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