This Banana Cocoa Bread is a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, enriched with cocoa powder for a chocolatey flavor and crunchy walnuts for added texture. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. Quick to prepare and full of natural sweetness from ripe bananas, this bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups flour (190g)
- ½ cup sugar (100g) (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (or to taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the 2 eggs and whisk until fully combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract (if using). - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 1 ½ cups flour.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. - Add Walnuts
Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter. - Pour into the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. - Bake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a dessert treat.
- Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
- Spread peanut butter or Nutella on top for added flavor.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced snack.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a more indulgent dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to ¾ cup.
- For a lighter texture, sift the dry ingredients before adding them to the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness.
- Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and protein.
- Cocoa powder offers antioxidants and can support heart health.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Can be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free alternative for butter or milk.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 10 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s quick and easy to make, with minimal ingredients.
- The perfect balance of sweetness and richness from bananas and cocoa powder.
- A great way to use overripe bananas.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert.
Conclusion:
This Banana Cocoa Bread with Walnuts is an easy, flavorful, and comforting treat for any time of the day. The combination of ripe bananas, cocoa powder, and crunchy walnuts makes it irresistibly delicious. Whether served as a snack or dessert, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe. Bake it today and share it with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use almond flour instead of regular flour?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour, as almond flour has a different texture. Start with a 1:1 substitution and adjust if needed. - Can I leave out the walnuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version. - Can I substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup?
Yes, you can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup, but it may alter the texture slightly. Use about ¼ cup of liquid sweetener for every ½ cup of sugar. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good structure to ensure the bread holds together. - Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Yes! You can add blueberries, raspberries, or even chunks of apple to the batter for extra flavor. - What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or chia eggs as a vegan substitute for eggs. - How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?
Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolaty treat! - Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
If you substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free chocolate and non-dairy milk, it can be made vegan. - Can I freeze the bread?
Yes, this banana bread freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. - How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done.