The mashed up mash up.

Happy first Sunday of May!

My dad is a big fan of two things: bananas and chocolate, and today's baked good definitely has his name written all over it. I love having overripe bananas in the house because I get to make wonderful bakes good with them that we can have for a snack or even for breakfast. Today's loaf is a nice twist to the usual banana loaf- it's a nice blend of chocolate and bananas, added with nuts for a nice crunch.

This loaf is very rich, moist and creamy; honestly, it's a dream. I think the bananas have something to do with it. My parents say that they can't taste the bananas but I beg to differ- I, on the other hand, can taste a nice hint of banana flavor. Sure the chocolate is prominent but there are pockets of banana in every bite- so good!

Now let's address the elephant in the room: why does my loaf have a nice dip on the center? Honestly, I have no idea why. Is it because of the toppings? Because the batter isn't dense enough? The oven isn't the right temp? Who knows?? Thing is, I'm not that bothered since it doesn't alter the taste. Aesthetically, I know it needs a bit more work but hey, who could ever say no to a slice of this?

If you don't have a loaf pan, I definitely recommend just chucking this in a square or round pan. The texture is more cake-y than bread-y anyway, so using a square or round pan isn't a big deal. Just mind the cooking time as it may not be the same as in a loaf pan.

Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE BANANA BREAD

(adapted from Cafe Delites)

1 cup all purpose flour, sifter before measured

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (around 113g) butter, softened

3/4 cup (around 140-150g) brown sugar, packed

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 overripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, divided

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided

1. Preheat oven at 350F. Line a 9x5" loaf pan.

2. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add in egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas into the butter mix. Beat until just combined.

5. Add in flour mixture next and beat until combined.

6. Fold in 1/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup walnuts into the batter. Stir until the mix-ins are well-incorporated.

7. Transfer batter into the lined loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining semi sweet chocolate chips and walnuts on top of the batter.

8. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.