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To make Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread, gather these items: - 3 ripe bananas, mashed - 1/3 cup melted coconut oil - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon baking soda - Pinch of salt - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Try these options: - Use unsalted butter instead of coconut oil. - Replace brown sugar with white sugar or coconut sugar. - Use applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan twist. - You can use gluten-free flour if you want a gluten-free version. Make your banana bread even better with these add-ins: - Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture. - Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor. - Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch. - Consider adding a handful of dried fruit for extra sweetness. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grab a 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can grease it with cooking spray or melted coconut oil. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Start by mashing three ripe bananas in a large bowl. Then, add 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil. Mix them well until they blend smoothly. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of brown sugar, one beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure everything combines to a smooth mixture. After that, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Stir these in gently. Now, add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour slowly. Mix just until you see no dry flour. It's okay to leave some lumps. Finally, fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts if you like. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then place it in the oven. Bake for 60-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep the bread moist and tasty. To make your banana bread moist, use ripe bananas. Ripe bananas have more sugar and flavor. Mash them well before mixing. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter. This adds moisture and a nice taste. Avoid over-mixing the batter. Mix just until the flour disappears, leaving some lumps. This helps keep the bread soft. When you add chocolate chunks and nuts, be gentle. Use a spatula to fold them in. Start from the bottom of the bowl and work your way up. Make sure they are evenly spread in the batter. If you mix too hard, you could break the chocolate. You want those delicious chunks to remain whole! One common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use a kitchen scale if you have one. It gives you the best results. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Always preheat for even baking. Finally, don’t open the oven door too soon. This can cause your bread to sink. Wait until the last 10 minutes to check for doneness. Pro Tips Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots! Mix Gently: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense bread, so it's okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out gooey, it needs more time. Cool Properly: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy on the bottom. {{image_2}} You can make a gluten-free version of this banana bread. Start by swapping all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. Your bread will be soft and moist, just like the classic version. To make this banana bread vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for added flavor. The chocolate chunks should be dairy-free to keep it vegan. You can give your banana bread a twist with extra flavors. Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth. A dash of nutmeg will add a nice touch too. Zest from an orange or lemon can brighten the taste. You can also mix in shredded coconut or dried fruit for added texture and sweetness. Each of these options makes the bread unique and exciting! To keep your chocolate chunk banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you plan to eat it within a few days, you can leave it at room temperature. Just make sure it’s in a cool, dry place. Freezing banana bread is easy. First, let it cool completely after baking. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This method helps keep your bread tasty for up to three months. To reheat your banana bread, remove a slice from the freezer. Let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can then warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a crispier texture, toast it in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of extra chocolate! Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Once thawed, mash them well. They work great in this recipe. Frozen bananas add moisture and sweetness. Plus, they are super easy to use! If you don't have coconut oil, use any light oil. Canola oil or vegetable oil works well. You can also use melted butter for a richer taste. Just remember to keep the amount the same. This recipe is flexible! To check if your bread is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Baking usually takes about 60 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end! This article covered everything you need for perfect banana bread. We explored key ingredients, substitutions, and add-ins. Step-by-step, I guided you from oven prep to mixing and baking. I shared tips to keep your bread moist and avoid mistakes. You learned about gluten-free and vegan options, plus how to store, freeze, and reheat. Use this guide to create tasty banana bread your friends and family will love. Enjoy baking!

Decadent Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

A moist and flavorful banana bread loaded with chocolate chunks and walnuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 none ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1.33 cup melted coconut oil
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chunks (or chips)
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and melted coconut oil until well blended.
  • Add the brown sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and mix until smooth.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and stir to combine.
  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed in the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced, and sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks on top for a decadent touch. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!
Keyword baking, banana bread, chocolate, dessert