I like almost any fruit or vegetable but bananas have never done it for me. I generally avoid them, not because of the flavor but because of the texture.A fruit that's all mushy? So whose idea was that?
BUT . . . the law of the universe says that any vegetable rejected on the plate will be welcomed with open arms if given enough sugar (i.e. zucchini bread, carrot cake . . . all they need to do is invent a broccoli brownie or asparagus pudding and my kids would probably eat it and lick the bowl).
So banana bread is always good for me, regardless of how I might feel about the fruit. This version got great reviews for not only being moist and flavorful (the extracts that help a bit) but for the chocolate layer.
See what I mean about the sugar? Works every time.
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup butter
3 tablespoons milk
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 teaspoon butter extract
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Then add mashed bananas, butter, milk and eggs. Mix well until thoroughly combined then stir in extracts and walnuts.
Pour batter into two greased loaf pans.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees then bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Once cooled, gently melt the chocolate chips and stir until smooth (I use a glass dish and low power in the microwave, just watch it so that it doesn't burn). Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bread and allow to cool before slicing.
You can use white chocolate, even top it with a cherry, if you'd like it to be particularly decadent.
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11 comments:
I'd just add chocolate chips into the batter and save a step! :) I usually add some of the mini chocolate chips and our kids gobble it up.
Oh, who am I kidding? I gobble it up. :)
p.s. I'll have to try the coconut extract though. I add lemon zest to mine usually, but that sounds yummy.
Banana bread is a standard at our house. When la Petite was in high school I'd always make two loaves because her friends (the boys in particular) always gobbled it up!
Toasted Banana Bread w/peanut butter was a standard after school snack at our house.
It ain't broccoli brownies but you should try Black Bean Brownies. So easy - puree a 15-oz can of black beans (rinsed one time while still in the can) and add to your favorite brownie package mix. Stir to blend and bake according to box direction. No eggs, oil, or anything else - just two "ingredients" and no one knows they are eating extra fiber. FYI: nuts, cinnamon, whatever are optional.
This looks great! Why have I never done the chocolate thing with banana bread before this? I make banana-chocolate-chip pancakes...why have I not expanded this concept??
Also, may I say thank you to Suzi in your comments for suggesting black bean brownies. I am so curious to see if I can get this by my kids!
I believe I'm making this photo my new wallpaper.
BTW, what a sweet note from you from Blissdom. I just smiled at my computer screen...
I can't eat bananas. It's the smell and the texture, but mostly the smell. I tried to make banana bread but kept gagging when I had to mash them. It's a shame because they are really good for you.
Ack! I was skimming the recipe and read "1/3 c chopped walrus."
Alaskans are hardcore.
Today is actually National Banana Bread Day, February 23. I love banana bread, but it's 91 today. The oven is off for a few months until we cool off. But I don't know. I'm sorely tempted by this recipe.
This looks delicious. I think I am going to have to make Banana bread this week.
This looks wonderful! I have a ton of bananas in the freezer I periodically thaw for banana chocolate chip bread. mmmm.
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