Description
This Double Chocolate Strawberry Banana Bread features mashed ripe bananas and fresh strawberries folded together with two types of chocolate for an irresistibly moist and fudgy loaf. Perfect for weekend baking, breakfast treats, or whenever you need a comforting homemade bread that feels like an indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed well to ensure smooth batter
- 1 cup strawberries, diced small, fresh or frozen
- 2 eggs, large
- 1/2 cup melted butter, or neutral oil for moisture
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, for richness and depth
- 1/3 cup white sugar, for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure vanilla for best flavor
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, all-purpose or cake flour works well
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened for deep chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, for proper rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to enhance chocolate notes
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon flour, for coating strawberries before folding
- Optional toppings, extra chocolate chips and strawberries for the top of the batter before baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line or grease a loaf pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- Handle the Bananas: If using frozen bananas, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- Coat the Strawberries: Toss your diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth, then add the eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough loaf.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and strawberries using a spatula or wooden spoon, keeping the batter light and airy.
- Fill and Top: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and strawberry pieces on top for visual appeal and bursts of flavor in each slice.
- Bake: Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool Properly: Let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the best fudgy, moist texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour