Banana bread wasn’t just another recipe; it was a annual cake and candy specialty at my school. The sound of my mom mashing overripe bananas, the scent of chocolate in the air, and my mom giving me the mixing spoon to lick — all were familiar parts of this cherished treat. Those shared moments, enjoying soft, fragrant slices of banana bread with my mom and my friends, represent the simple joys and cherished memories of my childhood.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional, but not really): For an extra chocolatey kick, fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top for decoration. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool until you lose patience: Once baked, allow the banana chocolate bread to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and savor each moist, chocolate-infused bite!
Pro Banana Bread Tips:
- Ensure your bananas are very ripe — their natural sweetness enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate — dark, milk, or even white chocolate — for diverse flavour profiles.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts …
Whether you’re baking this banana bread to relive a cherished memory or simply to enjoy a slice of something sweet and comforting, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy, affordable, and the perfect way to use up overripe bananas. Serve it warm with a cup of tea, pack it in lunchboxes, or freeze a few slices for later — however you enjoy it, this banana bread brings a little joy with every bite. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your results — and if you’re craving more nostalgic recipes that feed both heart and soul, make sure to explore the rest of the blog!