There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm slice of banana bread fresh from the oven. This Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread recipe takes that classic comfort food and elevates it to new heights with rich dark chocolate chunks and toasty walnuts. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat or a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this banana bread is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread is not just a one-time bake; it’s a recipe you will return to time and again. The combination of dark chocolate and walnuts provides a delightful crunch and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bananas. Each bite is soft, moist, and decadently chocolaty. What’s more, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, ensuring nothing goes to waste. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you’ll find yourself baking this bread whenever you have some ripe bananas on hand.

The Ingredient Lineup

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delicious Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread:

1 cup (85g) dark chocolate chunks: Choose high-quality chocolate for a rich flavor.
1/2 cup (39g) walnuts: Toasted and roughly chopped for added flavor and crunch.
1 1/2 cups (156.25g) all-purpose flour: The base of your bread.
1 teaspoon (1.25 teaspoons) baking soda: Helps the bread rise.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1 cup (225g) mashed banana: About 2 to 3 medium bananas, the star of the show.
1/4 cup (54.5ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly.
1 egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
1/4 cup (57.5ml) sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang.

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start baking, gather the following equipment:

Mixing bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the batter smoothly.
Rubber spatula: Great for folding in the chocolate and walnuts.
Loaf pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly.
Oven mitts: To protect your hands when handling hot pans.
Cooling rack: For letting your banana bread cool evenly.

Cook Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread Like This

Now, let’s get into the baking process! Follow these simple steps to create your own delectable Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your banana bread bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Grease your loaf pan with a bit of vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this bowl aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and egg. Stir until well combined. Then, add the sour cream and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Walnuts

Now, fold in the dark chocolate chunks and roughly chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your delicious Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread!

Tailor It to Your Diet

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences:

Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based sour cream.
Less sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Nut-free: Omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even the best bakers encounter issues now and then. Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot common problems:

Banana bread is too dense: Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Uneven browning: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated. Rotate the loaf halfway through baking if necessary.
Dry bread: Check your oven temperature. Too high can dry out the bread. Also, ensure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately.
Not enough banana flavor: Use very ripe bananas for optimal flavor and sweetness.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Your Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread deserves to be kept fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store it:

Once completely cooled, wrap the banana bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just slice it first, wrap it tightly, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

Handy Q&A

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

What can I substitute for the dark chocolate chunks?

You can use chocolate chips or even white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How can I tell when my banana bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes! You can easily double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

Cook This Next

If you love this Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread, you might want to try these delicious recipes:

That’s a Wrap

There you have it! A scrumptious recipe for Dark Chocolate Chip & Walnut Banana Bread that’s sure to become a staple in your baking routine. With its rich flavors and delightful texture, this banana bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, it’s bound to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, the next time you find yourself with overripe bananas, you know exactly what to do! Happy baking!