Chocolate Walnut Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ((aka maida or pain flour))
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour ((or use all plain flour))
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• a pinch of salt
• 10 to 12 walnuts (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted butter (or any neutral cooking oil)
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup ripe banana (mashed ( 2 ripe chiquita banana))

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Prepare the pan and oven ---

2. 2

   prep: Preheat the oven to 180°C with the rack in the middle. Grease and line the 8x4 inches loaf pan with baking paper.

3. 3

   --- Prepare the batter ---

4. 4

   sieve dry items: Place a sieve over a large bowl and sieve the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, levening agents and salt. Whisk to combine the ingredients. If you find any granulated sugar left in the sieve add it to the mashed banana.

5. 5

   Stir in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips.

6. 6

   whisk wet items: Add all the wet ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until combined using fork or small whisk. (make sure your melted butter is not too hot).

7. 7

   fold wet to dry: Add the wet mixture into the dry mixture bowl and use a spatula to fold just until combined with no trace of flour. Do not overmix.

8. 8

   --- Prepare to bake ---

9. 9

   pour: Transfer the batter into the lined loaf pan, and sprinkle the chopped walnuts all over the top. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to settle the batter evenly.

10. 10

    Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Remove from oven and the pan and place the bread on the cooling rack.

11. 11

    --- Serve and store ---

12. 12

    Serve warm or cold with coffee or tea. Store the remaining banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.