It is hard to believe that we are at the tail end of 2024! Where has the year gone?! I am glad that while I barely posted a post this year, blogging is still alive in my world. (Mostly in my head but the intention to write and post pictures are there! LOL!)

I am still cooking a lot though, and trying new recipes. One of the keeper recipes is this chocolate chip banana bread. Banana bread was the first thing that I learned to bake when I was just starting out in the kitchen as a young adult. People think that my banana bread is great! It is moist and delicious. My secret? Well, you can find it in the back of C&H sugar package which is the exactly the same as Betty Crocker’s recipe!

The recipe that I am about to share is more fun as it contains chocolate chips. I also do not need to break out the mixer. It is all done by hand. This recipe is tried, true and tested. I made this banana bread many times, brought it to work, gave it to friends, and everyone just asked for more!

Have a wonderful fall season and may the rest of the year be full of festivities, good cheers and solitude!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

INGREDIENTS:

• 3-4 very ripe medium bananas
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter or neutral oil such as canola oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips (+ 2 TBSP for toppings)

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mash the very ripe bananas in a bowl.
3. Add butter and mix.
4. Add baking soda, sugar and eggs to the banana and butter mixture.
5. Then add the vanilla and salt. Mix everything together with a wire whisk.
6. Add the flour and cocoa powder until smooth.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips into the batter.
8. Put a parchment paper in a 9 inch loaf pan. (It will be a lot easier to remove the bread after it is done baking.)
9. Pour the batter in the loaf pan.
10. Top with more chocolate chips (about 2-3 tablespoons).
11. Bake for 45 -55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
12. Let cool for few minutes before cutting.
13. Enjoy!