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Banana Cocoa Walnut Loaf: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something incredibly comforting about a fresh loaf of banana bread. The sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes, the soft texture, and the rich, natural sweetness from ripe bananas all make it a beloved treat. But what if you could elevate this classic with a delicious twist? Enter Banana Cocoa Walnut Loaf—a rich, indulgent, and slightly decadent version of the beloved banana bread.
This recipe takes the familiar comforting flavors of banana bread and adds the perfect balance of cocoa powder and crunchy walnuts. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf with a deep chocolatey richness and a nutty crunch that’s sure to become your new favorite go-to snack or dessert. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, using just a handful of pantry staples.
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that combines the best of banana bread and chocolate cake for a treat that’s simply impossible to resist.
🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors – The rich cocoa powder enhances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, while the walnuts add a crunchy contrast that takes the loaf to the next level.
- Moist and tender – Thanks to the bananas, this loaf stays moist for days, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
- Easy to make – With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for baking enthusiasts and novices alike.
- Customizable – Feel free to adjust the sweetness, add extra ingredients (like chocolate chips or dried fruit), or even swap walnuts for your favorite nuts or seeds.
- Great for sharing – This loaf makes a wonderful gift or a treat for friends and family. It’s also a great way to use up overripe bananas!
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar (or 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (or any nut of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for extra chocolaty goodness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the loaf after baking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture if desired. Add the melted butter (or oil), sugar (or maple syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep it light and tender.
4. Add walnuts and optional chocolate chips
Once the batter is fully mixed, fold in the chopped walnuts and, if using, mini chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
5. Bake the loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few moist crumbs). Keep an eye on the loaf after 50 minutes to prevent over-baking, as oven times may vary.
