1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth.
Add the 2 eggs and whisk together until fully combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 1 ½ cups of flour.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Add Walnuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts to the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Pour into the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this loaf with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Tips:
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
Substitute Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Don’t Overmix: To keep the loaf soft and tender, stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
Nutritional Benefits:
This loaf provides natural sweetness from bananas and is a great source of potassium and healthy fats from the walnuts.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the loaf in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Banana Cocoa Walnut Loaf is an easy-to-make, deliciously moist treat that’s packed with flavor and texture. The combination of bananas, cocoa, and walnuts makes it irresistible, while its simple preparation ensures it becomes a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of bananas, the richness of cocoa, and the crunch of walnuts, this loaf is a must-try for banana bread lovers looking to elevate their favorite treat. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, you’ll want to make this loaf over and over again!
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