Delicious Mocha Banana Bread Recipe For Coffee Lovers
As a barista, I’ve learned that coffee and bananas make for an unlikely yet magnificent combination. That’s why today, I present you with my Mocha Banana Bread Recipe – a recipe that’s perfect to enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee.
This banana bread recipe features a rich mocha flavor that comes from the combination of espresso powder and cocoa powder. The chocolatey goodness is then complemented by the natural sweetness of perfectly ripe bananas, bringing a unique balance to your palate.
This bread also features chocolate chips and walnuts for added texture, making it perfect for all chocolate lovers out there. Whether you’re vegan or not, this recipe can be easily modified to fit your preferences while still maintaining its deliciousness.
This recipe is great for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or even as a dessert. But most importantly, it’s simple and easy to make at home with just a few simple steps. So let me guide you through this journey of flavors and textures, and discover how to make the ultimate Mocha Banana Bread recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear coffee-loving friends, let me tell you a little bit about why you’ll adore this mocha banana bread recipe. As we all know, there are few things as satisfying and comforting as a slice of delicious, homemade banana bread. But this recipe takes it to the next level by infusing rich mocha flavors and decadent chocolate chips into every bite.
What’s not to love about biting into a moist, fluffy slice of banana bread with subtle hints of coffee and chocolate? This bread features rich mocha flavors that beautifully enhance the sweetness of the bananas and create an irresistible aroma that will fill your home.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe also includes crunchy walnuts that provide a nice texture contrast and add a savory depth of flavor to this already incredible taste combination. And don’t worry, for those with dietary restrictions, various substitutions can be made in terms of flour or replacing butter with oil or even peanut butter for the vegan lovers.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a mid-day snack or as a dessert after dinner, this mocha banana bread is perfect for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite coffee or tea to further enhance your taste buds.
So if you’re a fan of banana bread, chocolate chips, and coffee – this recipe was made just for you. Don’t hesitate to try it out and indulge in the heavenly combination of flavors melting in your mouth. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the essential ingredients. Mocha Banana Bread is a delightful and indulgent treat that features rich mocha and chocolate chip flavors with moist, tender crumb made from ripe bananas.
Bananas
The unsung heroes of this recipe are the medium-sized ripe bananas mashed to perfection. They add natural sweetness and moisture, making them the star ingredient in any banana bread recipe.
Flour, Sugar & Baking Essentials
You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt to create the perfect bread texture. To balance out the sweetness from the bananas and chocolate chips, you will need ¾ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup brown sugar. Also, don’t forget to add in a pinch of espresso powder or coffee grains for a subtle roasted flavor.
Eggs, Butter & Vanilla Extract
To add richness to your bread, you will need two large eggs and one stick (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter melted and cooled. For an extra boost of flavor and aroma, use 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Chocolate Chips & Walnuts
Complete your Mocha Chip Banana Bread experience with additional mocha chips or dark chocolate chunks chopped walnuts for crunchiness.
Gather these essential ingredients to create this delectable Mocha Chip Banana Bread recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list, let me walk you through how to make this Mocha Banana Bread!
Step 1: Mashing the Bananas
The first step is to mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl using a fork or a potato masher. Do not worry if there are some small lumps left as it will give your bread an extra burst of flavor and lend some extra moisture. Mash until you have 10-12 ounces of ripe bananas mashed or roughly 3 medium-sized bananas, equivalent to 1 1/2 cups.
Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Add in 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl of mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combining the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk all dry ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined using a rubber spatula. Be sure not to overmix, as this can cause the bread to become tough. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and/or chopped walnuts if desired.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Bake for approximately 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. After 30 minutes of baking, keep an eye on your bread and cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once the baking is done, transfer the loaf pan to a cooling rack and let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store any remainder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Now that you are done with following these easy steps, you can proudly say that you have made your very own Mocha Banana Bread like a pro barista!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there’s always room for experimentation. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to give your Mocha Banana Bread a unique twist:
1. Walnuts instead of chocolate chips: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, or just want to switch things up, try using chopped walnuts instead of chocolate chips. They add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
2. Coffee instead of espresso powder: If you can’t get your hands on espresso powder, try using strong brewed coffee instead. It will still give you that rich coffee flavor without the need for a specialty ingredient.
3. Sweet potato instead of banana: While it may seem sacrilegious to swap out the bananas in banana bread, using mashed sweet potato in place of the bananas creates a naturally sweet and moist bread with a unique flavor profile.
4. Vegan banana bread mocha chip: For vegan or plant-based eaters, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and vegan butter in place of traditional eggs and butter. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips for added sweetness.
5. Peanut butter swirl: Sweet and salty make the perfect pair! Mix ½ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup granulated sugar and swirl into the batter before baking for a delicious variation on classic mocha banana bread.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients in your baking. Who knows? The next great recipe could come from your kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, serving and pairing. One of the most exciting parts of any recipe! For this delectable mocha banana bread recipe, I recommend serving it fresh and warm straight out from the oven. The aroma alone will make your mouth water.
As for pairing, a steaming cup of coffee is an obvious choice. The deep, rich flavors of coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven. I suggest brewing a strong cup of espresso or French press coffee to complement the mocha flavors in this bread.
Looking for something a little more indulgent? How about topping your slice with a dollop of whipped cream or creamy vanilla ice cream? The cool richness will balance the sweetness in the bread perfectly.
For those who want to add some crunch to their bite, you can also sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the bread before baking or before serving. The nutty flavor pairs well with the sweet and chocolaty taste of this delicious baked good.
Finally, if you’re entertaining guests or planning an afternoon tea party, consider making mini loaves or muffins instead, making it easier for your guests to help themselves while maintaining the presentation value of your baked goods.
By serving and pairing this heavenly mocha banana bread, you and your guests will experience a truly memorable flavor combination that is sure to leave them wanting more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a barista and coffee enthusiast, I understand that sometimes we need to plan ahead or make some extra mocha banana bread, so we can save some for those busy mornings. Here are some tips for making this delicious bread ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Make-Ahead:
The good news is you can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Make sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter come back to room temperature before pouring it into the bread pan.
Storing:
If you have any leftover mocha banana bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If stored properly, it will still taste fresh and moist after a couple of days.
Reheating:
If your mocha banana bread has been refrigerated or stored for more than three days, it may have lost its freshness. In that case, try reheating individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm. To enhance the flavor even more, spread a little butter over each slice before reheating.
Pro Tip: For a special treat, try spreading some peanut butter over your mocha banana bread toast, trust me on this one – it’s delicious!
In conclusion, whether you’re making mocha banana bread for breakfast, brunch or as a treat for your coffee-loving friends – this recipe is perfect for planning ahead and storing leftovers. Just follow these tips and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
If there’s one thing that every home baker wants, it’s perfect results. That’s why I want to share with you a few tips and tricks to ensure that your Mocha Banana Bread comes out just right every single time.
First and foremost, make sure you’re using ripe bananas. If your bananas are too green, they won’t blend as easily and may leave chunks in your batter. On the other hand, if they’re too brown, they’ll be too sweet and soft. Aim for a banana that’s yellow with some brown spots.
In addition to ripe bananas, it’s important to properly measure out your ingredients. I recommend using a kitchen scale if you have one, as it allows for accurate measurements. However, if you don’t have one, make sure to use measuring cups and spoons and follow the recipe closely.
When it comes to the flour in this recipe, I suggest using all-purpose flour for the best results. Using another type of flour may affect the texture or flavor of the bread.
Another factor that influences the texture of the bread is the butter. Be sure to use unsalted butter that is at room temperature when mixing with sugar. This allows for smooth incorporation and even distribution throughout the batter.
Lastly, once your batter is mixed together, resist overmixing it. Overmixing can cause gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a tougher and dense loaf. Instead, mix until just combined.
By following these tips and really taking your time with each step, you can guarantee that your Mocha Banana Bread will come out perfect every single time. Enjoy!
FAQ
As we come to the end of this recipe article, I understand that some questions may have arisen from the instructions provided. To make sure you achieve perfect results, I have compiled some frequently asked questions that will allow you to have a better understanding of the recipe and tackle issues that may arise. Let’s take a look into these FAQs!
How does Paula Deen make banana bread?
For this banana bread recipe, you will need 2 and 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt. Along with those ingredients, you will also require 4 medium ripe bananas mashed up, which equals to about 1 and 1/2 cups. Additionally, you will need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter that has been melted and cooled, 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How many bananas are in Chrissy Teigen’s banana bread?
In her quest to develop the best recipe for her cookbook, “Cravings: Hungry for More,” author Chrissy Teigen spent close to a year experimenting with different options. During this time, one crucial ingredient stood out that the recipe couldn’t do without – six brown bananas, no more, no less – which she found after thorough research and testing.
Why is my banana bread not fluffy?
When making banana bread, it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter. To achieve a soft and tender texture, gently incorporating the wet ingredients with the dry is key. Overmixing can cause excess gluten to develop, resulting in a tough and unpleasant final product. It’s best to stir only until the mixture is moist and then stop to ensure a delicious and perfectly textured banana bread every time.
Why is my banana bread dry and hard?
When it comes to baking banana bread, finding the perfect amount of flour is crucial. Adding too much flour can result in a dry loaf, whereas not using enough can leave your bread overly moist. The key here is in the measuring process. A common mistake is scooping flour straight from the bag which can lead to more than the necessary amount of flour being added.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this mocha banana bread recipe is not like any other. This particular recipe features rich mocha flavor with a hint of chocolate chip and ripe bananas, which will make any chocolate lover crave more! The combination of coffee and cocoa powder adds depth to the banana’s sweetness and makes for an unforgettable taste.
Whether you prefer enjoying a slice alone, with a cup of coffee, or sharing it with loved ones, this bread recipe provides the perfect treat for any occasion. And if you need an excuse to indulge in something a little sweet and a little savory, our mocha banana bread will never let you down.
So next time your bananas have ripened on your kitchen counter, don’t throw them away! Instead, turn them into something special that can bring a smile to everyone’s faces. With my tips and recommendations in mind, try out this recipe today and experience the deliciousness of mocha chip banana bread. Happy baking!
Mocha Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3 bananas)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons coffee
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk or sift if the cocoa is lumpy.
- In a large bowl combine sugar and butter and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well creamed, for at least two minutes.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Add bananas, vanilla, and coffee and beat on low speed until blended.
- Add flour mixture and combine just until moist.
- Stir in walnuts and spoon batter into a greased 8 x 4" loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack, then remove from pan.
- Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.
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