Description
Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread with Walnuts is a unique twist on traditional banana bread. The bread is infused with the natural sweetness of overripe bananas, paired with the richness of melted chocolate chips and the crunchiness of walnuts. The chocolate is swirled throughout the batter, creating pockets of melty goodness that make each slice extra special. The walnuts add a satisfying texture, making every bite a delightful experience. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors, offering the comfort of banana bread with an indulgent touch of chocolate and nuts.
Ingredients
Here is a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread with Walnuts:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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2 eggs
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup melted butter
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup chocolate chips (melted for swirling)
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½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the bread comes out easily once it’s baked.
In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher. You want to break them down into a smooth, mashed consistency, though it’s okay if there are some small chunks. Then, add the eggs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients together until everything is well-combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that the baking soda activates properly when mixed with the wet ingredients.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture. The batter should be thick and somewhat lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
Next, gently stir in the chopped walnuts. These will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to your banana bread, balancing out the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the batter and use a knife or spoon to gently swirl it through the batter. This creates the signature marbled effect.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it as it nears the end of the baking time.
Once baked, allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps the bread set properly and makes it easier to cut clean slices. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Notes
This banana bread tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled! For a little extra indulgence, try warming up a slice and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans or skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread