Indulge your senses with a slice of heaven! This Espresso Chocolate Banana Bread is not just your ordinary banana bread; it's a delightful fusion of rich espresso and gooey chocolate that will elevate your baking game to new heights. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the bold flavor of espresso, creating a moist, decadent loaf that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this irresistible recipe and discover how easy it is to whip up a loaf that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the interior surfaces.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency with minimal lumps.
- Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well. Incorporate the sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
- Crack the eggs into the banana mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and espresso powder, ensuring even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even mixing of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, tough bread.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. For best flavor and texture, wait at least 30 minutes before cutting.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bananas: For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!
- Espresso Powder: If you’re not a coffee lover, don’t worry! The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the bread taste overly coffee-like.
- Chocolate Chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark, milk, or even white chocolate, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and makes slicing easier.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg