Easy Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread Recipe
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This easy chocolate marbled banana bread recipe is the perfect way to use up ripe bananas you have sitting on the counter! It is lightly sweetened with honey and has a classic banana bread batter mixed with a chocolate banana bread batter to create a beautiful loaf. It requires you to only make one batter, then divide the batter in half to mix in the chocolate. So, you can spend less time baking this banana bread and more time enjoying it.
There is something so nostalgic about banana bread. It is comforting, delicious and such a classic. I love to make the original and straight forward banana bread, but I also enjoy switching it up occasionally to something more unique. I made an almond and poppy seed banana bread recently that was such a hit with the family and wanted to make another banana bread recipe with a little twist. And this chocolate marbled banana bread recipe was a winner!
The first time I tested this recipe, I made it for breakfast. It came out perfect and was so easy to make! It was one of those magical recipes that did not need any changes and was ready to go! I did use my classic banana bread recipe, so I knew the base of the recipe would be moist and lightly sweetened.
Why you will love this chocolate marbled banana bread recipe
Banana bread with a twist: I love the classic banana bread but it fun to switch it up every now and then. And this marbled banana bread is the perfect recipe to keep things interesting! The chocolate mixed with the banana bread adds not only a visually beautiful touch but also taste amazing.
Refined sugar free: This banana bread is sweetened with honey or maple syrup. This recipe is not too sweet and perfect if you like lightly sweetened banana breads.
Soft and moist: This chocolate marbled banana comes out so soft and moist! No dry banana bread here!
How to make the marbled banana bread
This marbled banana bread is probably easier to make than you might think! You do NOT have to make two completely separate batters. Here is how you can easily create the marbled look.
- Add all 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a medium mixing bowl. Stir and set aside.
- Combine the bananas, eggs, honey, oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream together in a mixing bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir until just combined.
- Add half of the batter to the empty bowl that was used for the dry ingredients. Gently stir in the cocoa powder.
- In the mixing bowl without the cocoa powder, gently mix in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Carefully add the two batters to a greased loaf pan. You can do this by creating a checkerboard pattern with the plain batter and chocolate batter using an ice cream scoop or spoon. Using a toothpick or knife, swirl the two batters together.
- Bake for 43-50 minutes or until the batter has set. Let cool slightly and enjoy!
What you will need to make this banana bread
All-Purpose Flour: All you need is an all-purpose flour to make this easy banana bread recipe. If you need to make this quick bread gluten-free, swap for a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened natural cocoa powder adds that chocolate marbling in the banana bread. Try to avoid Dutch cocoa powder, as it yields different results in not only flavor, but the rise of the bread.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents used in the banana bread.
Salt: Enhances the flavors
Eggs: Provides structure to the chocolate marbled loaf.
Bananas: The star of the recipe! The bananas naturally add sweetness and flavor to the bread.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture to the recipe. You can swap for yogurt.
Oil: Keeps the banana bread moist. Avocado, canola or vegetable oil are all good choices.
Honey or Maple Syrup: The chocolate marbled banana bread is sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
Vanilla Extract: Adds to the flavor of the banana bread.
Tips and Tricks
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. You will want to stir the wet and dry ingredients together until it just combined. Overmixing can cause the bread to become dense.
- I have made this a few times and each loaf comes out uniquely different! And I kind of love that! There will be variation in how the loaf comes out based on how you place the batters in and swirl them together.
- Grease your measuring cup before adding the honey or maple syrup! Or use the measuring cup right after adding in the oil. This will help the honey come right out of the cup!
- I have found this bakes up a little faster compared to my some of other quick breads! So, watch it carefully in the oven and pull the banana bread out of the oven just as the batter sets.
- You can store this easy marbled banana bread in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
If you give this easy chocolate marbled banana bread recipe a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this banana bread as much as we do.
Easy Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 C. All-purpose flour (1/4 C. Reserved)
- 1/4 C. Cocoa powder
- 1/2 C. Maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 C. Sour cream
- 1/2 C. Oil (such as avocado or canola oil)
- 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add the bananas. Mash until smooth. Add in eggs, honey, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir until just combined. Pour half of the batter into the empty bowl used to mix the dry ingredients. Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and stir.
- In the other bowl with the plain banana bread batter, add 1/4 cup flour. Stir until just combined.
- Grease or line a pound loaf pan with parchment paper. Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, alternate adding the plain banana bread batter and chocolate batter to the loaf pan, creating a checkerboard pattern. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the two batters together.
- Bake for 43-50 minutes or until the batter has set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before enjoying!
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The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
