Indulging in Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread is like enjoying a slice of pure joy. This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, I’ll guide you step-by-step to whip up this delectable delight. Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of chocolate-baked goodness? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup hazelnut flour
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
You need ripe bananas to start. They give the best flavor and sweetness. I like to use three bananas. They should be soft and spotty, which means they are ready.
Next, you will use cocoa powder. Half a cup will give the bread its rich chocolate taste. Hazelnut flour is another star in this recipe. It adds a nutty flavor. You also need all-purpose flour to give the bread its structure. One cup will do.
For leavening, add one teaspoon of baking soda. This helps the bread rise. You also need half a teaspoon of salt. Salt boosts the flavors in your bread.
Sweetness comes from sugars. You will use half a cup of brown sugar and a quarter cup of granulated sugar. Brown sugar gives a nice moist texture and flavor.
You will also need one-third cup of vegetable oil for moisture. Two large eggs help bind everything together. One teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm taste to the mix.
Lastly, don’t forget the fun stuff. You will need half a cup of chocolate chips for that gooey goodness. If you want to, add a quarter cup of chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
First, you need to set your oven. This step is key. The right heat ensures your bread bakes evenly. Greasing the pan helps the bread slide out easily later. Line it with parchment paper if you prefer.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Combine bananas, oils, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
Next, grab a bowl. Mash the bananas well. Use three ripe bananas for the best flavor. Then, mix in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth. You want it to blend well.
Preparing Dry Ingredients
– Sift together hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Now, take another bowl. Sift the hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Sifting breaks up lumps. It also makes sure your dry mix is light and fluffy. This helps the bread rise nicely.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
– Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture gently.
Pour your wet mix into the bowl with the dry mix. Use a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no dry spots. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Adding Chocolate and Hazelnuts
– Incorporate chocolate chips and optional hazelnuts.
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips. If you like, add chopped hazelnuts too. This gives your bread a nice crunch and extra flavor. Make sure they spread throughout the batter.
Baking the Bread
– Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Finally, pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check it with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! Let it cool a bit before you take it out of the pan. Enjoy the smell while it bakes!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To make the best chocolate hazelnut banana bread, start with ripe bananas. Look for bananas that are mostly brown with some spots. They will give your bread the best flavor and moisture.
Be careful not to overmix your batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make your bread tough and dense.
Enhancing Flavor
For a tasty nut butter pairing, try using hazelnut butter. It goes well with the hazelnut flour in the bread. Almond butter is also a great choice, adding a subtle nutty flavor.
You can add toppings to your banana bread for extra fun. Try spreading a thin layer of nut butter on top. You could also sprinkle some chocolate chips or chopped hazelnuts before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your banana bread, slice it when warm. This keeps it soft and easy to eat. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look great too. You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.
Variations
Nut Alternatives
You can switch out hazelnuts for other nuts. Walnuts add a rich, earthy taste. Pecans bring a sweet flavor and crunch. Try mixing nuts for a unique bite. You can also toast the nuts for added depth.
Flour Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Oat flour works well too. These options keep the bread moist and delicious. Just remember that the texture may change slightly.
Flavor Add-Ins
Enhance your bread with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add a splash of almond extract for depth. For a twist, try adding peanut butter or hazelnut spread. These small changes can make a big difference.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your chocolate hazelnut banana bread fresh for a few days, wrap it in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you notice any mold or a change in smell, it’s best to toss it.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, slice the banana bread. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. You can also place the slices in a freezer bag. This helps keep them safe from freezer burn. When you want to eat some, take out a slice and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also microwave it for a quick warm-up.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat banana bread for the best taste, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat it for about 10 minutes. This keeps the bread moist and brings back its fresh flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might become tough.
FAQs
Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes, you can! To make this banana bread vegan, substitute the eggs. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons water). For the dairy, simply use a plant-based oil, like coconut or canola oil. You can also swap chocolate chips for dairy-free options.
How can I tell if my banana bread is done?
To check if your banana bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the top; it should be firm and slightly cracked.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The best bananas for baking are very ripe. Look for bananas with brown spots or ones that are mostly brown. These bananas are sweeter and softer, which will create a moist and flavorful bread. Avoid using green bananas, as they are too firm and not sweet enough for baking.
This blog post showed you how to make yummy banana bread with chocolate and hazelnuts. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. I shared ways to store it and answered common questions.
Now, you can bake this treat for yourself or share it with friends. Enjoy the flavors and have fun experimenting with variations. Happy baking!
