Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas ((brown is fine))
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, (optional)
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, (divided)
• 2/3 cup sliced almonds, (divided)
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degree F. Spray a 9X5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. 2

   In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar on high for 2-3 minutes to break down the sugar crystals.

3. 3

   Peel and smash the bananas into mush. Then set the mixer on medium and beat in the smashed bananas, egg, vanilla, and instant coffee granules until smooth. Scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula and beat again to incorporate.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. The moment the two are fully combined, turn off the mixer and scrape the bowl. Then beat again for just 10 seconds, as to not overwork the batter.

5. 5

   Add 1 ¼ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup sliced almonds, and ½ cup coconut to the batter. Turn the mixer on low and mix again for just 10 seconds, to blend in the ingredients.

6. 6

   Scoop the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out the top. Then sprinkle ¼ cup chocolate chips over the top, along with the remaining sliced almonds.

7. 7

   Bake undisturbed for 60 minutes. Check the banana bread, by inserting a toothpick (or wooden skewer) into the center. If it comes out clean, remove the banana bread. If not, bake for another 5-10 minutes.

8. 8

   Cool the banana bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then gently flip it out in your hand, not up-side-down on a rack, to preserve the pretty top.

9. 9

   Cool completely before cutting. Use a serrated knife to cut smooth slices.