Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread.
Looking for a deliciously moist and sweet treat that combines the natural goodness of bananas with the richness of chocolate and the tropical flair of coconut? Look no further! This Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread is everything you could ever desire in a baked good. Perfectly fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from honey and the delightful crunch of chocolate chunks, this banana bread is bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, each slice is a slice of paradise. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe that everyone will rave about!
Why Cooks Rave About It
This Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread is not just another banana bread recipe. It’s a culinary experience that seamlessly blends flavors and textures. Cooks rave about it because:
– It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.
– The combination of chocolate and coconut adds a unique twist to traditional banana bread.
– It uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
– The bread stays moist and flavorful for days, making it perfect for meal prep.
– It’s versatile; you can enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or slathered with your favorite spread.
Shopping List
To whip up this delightful Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium overly ripe bananas (mashed, about 1 1/4 cup mashed)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks
Setup & Equipment
Before you get started on making your Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread, ensure you have the following equipment ready:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to successful baking.
- Fork or potato masher: For mashing the bananas until smooth.
- Baking loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients together and scraping the batter.
Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread.: From Prep to Plate
Get ready to create a scrumptious loaf of Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread with these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare your loaf pan
Grease your loaf pan lightly with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 3: Mash the bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the 4 medium overly ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 1/4 cups of mashed banana.
Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add the 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 7: Fold in the chocolate chunks
Gently fold in the 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Pour into the pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread warm or at room temperature!
Make It Your Way
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize your Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread:
- Add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Incorporate shredded coconut for an even more tropical vibe.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetener.
- Replace chocolate chunks with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
- Mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
If You’re Curious
If you’re curious about the health benefits of this Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread, here are a few tidbits:
- Bananas: Packed with potassium and fiber, they contribute to heart health and digestive wellness.
- Coconut oil: Known for its medium-chain fatty acids, it may provide quick energy and support metabolic health.
- Whole wheat pastry flour: Offers more nutrients and fiber compared to all-purpose flour, making it a healthier option.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can elevate mood!
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread is perfect for freezing! Here’s how to do it:
- Allow the bread to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour. However, using whole wheat adds extra nutrients and fiber to your banana bread.
What can I use instead of honey?
If you prefer a different sweetener, maple syrup or agave syrup can be great alternatives to honey in this recipe.
How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your banana bread is done. If it comes out wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based sweetener instead of honey.
In Closing
There you have it! This Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread is not only a delicious treat but also a wholesome option that can be enjoyed any time of day. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own with fun variations, this banana bread will undoubtedly be a hit. Happy baking, and enjoy every slice of your Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread!
Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly.
- Step 2: Grease your loaf pan lightly with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, mash the 4 medium overly ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. You should have about 1 1/4 cups of mashed banana.
- Step 4: To the mashed bananas, add the 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Step 7: Gently fold in the 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 8: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 9: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Once baked, remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your Chocolate Chunk Coconut Banana Bread warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For added crunch, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Shredded coconut can enhance the tropical flavor.
- Freeze the bread tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
