The Best Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread

Introduction

If you’re a fan of moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make baked goods, you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread recipe. Inspired by rustic Tuscan-style baking, this recipe beautifully combines the rich taste of chocolate, the nuttiness of hazelnuts, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s the perfect comfort food, whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require an extensive list of ingredients.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

To bring this delightful banana bread to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

ripe bananas, mashed (3 medium-sized)
chocolate hazelnut spread (1 cup)
all-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups)
baking soda (1 teaspoon)
baking powder (1 teaspoon)
ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
salt (1/2 teaspoon)
egg (1 large)
brown sugar (1/2 cup)
unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1/3 cup)
vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
chopped hazelnuts (1/2 cup, optional for topping)

Prep Time

This Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread is quick to prepare. Gathering your ingredients and mixing the batter takes only 15 minutes. With minimal prep required, it’s an ideal recipe for busy days or when you’re craving homemade baked goods in a hurry.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The bread takes approximately 50-55 minutes to bake, leaving your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of bananas, chocolate, and hazelnuts. Combined with prep, the total time to create this heavenly treat is just about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The recipe yields one standard loaf, serving approximately 8-10 slices, depending on your portion sizes.

There you have it – an easy-to-follow recipe combining the best of simple rustic baking with bold, decadent flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread promises delight in every bite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until they are smooth and free of large chunks.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

To the mashed bananas, add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Fold the ingredients together gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Hazelnuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts into the batter until evenly distributed. Reserve a small handful of chocolate chips and nuts for topping if desired.

Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle reserved chocolate chips and hazelnuts on top for extra flavor and texture.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool the Bread

Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

Note 1: Ripe Bananas

Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture in the bread.

Note 2: Substitutions

Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer. You can also replace chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks or omit them entirely for a plain version.

Note 3: Storage Tips

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Note 4: Freezing Instructions

Wrap the cooled banana bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Note 5: Prevent Overmixing

For a tender banana bread, avoid overmixing the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.

Note 6: Add-In Options

Experiment with additional add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, or shredded coconut for extra flavor. You can also swirl in some Nutella for a decadent twist.
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Cook Techniques

How to Achieve Moist Banana Bread

To make the banana bread moist, make sure to use ripe bananas. The natural sweetness and texture of ripe bananas help keep the bread soft and tender. Additionally, avoid over-mixing the batter as it can lead to a dense loaf.

Using Chocolate and Hazelnuts

Incorporate high-quality chocolate chunks or chips and freshly chopped hazelnuts to elevate the flavor and create texture. Gently fold them into the batter to ensure even distribution without overworking the mixture.

Baking at the Right Temperature

Bake the banana bread at a consistent temperature. Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking throughout, and use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for readiness—it should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs.

Rustic Presentation

For a Tuscan-inspired, rustic look, sprinkle extra hazelnuts and chocolate chunks on top of the batter before baking. This will add an artisanal touch to your bread.

Cooling the Bread Properly

After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely to ensure the loaf doesn’t crumble when sliced.

FAQ

Can I use frozen bananas for the recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate is recommended for a rich flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?

Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or pecans if you don’t have hazelnuts on hand. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for muffins?

Absolutely. You can use the same batter to make muffins. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

How do I store the banana bread?

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make the recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan alternative.

What if my bread sinks in the middle?

If the bread sinks, it could be due to overmixing, underbaking, or too much moisture in the batter. Double-check your ingredient measurements and ensure the bread bakes fully by testing with a toothpick.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe with brown spots on the peel. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful the bread will turn out.

Conclusion

The chocolate hazelnut banana bread is a delightful and moist treat that beautifully combines rich hazelnut flavor with sweet bananas and a hint of chocolate. Its Tuscan-inspired rustic charm makes it not only a tasty dessert or snack but also a wonderful addition to special occasions or cozy family moments. The easy preparation process makes it accessible for both experienced and novice bakers. Be sure to enjoy it warm, and feel free to experiment with toppings or pairings to make it uniquely satisfying.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Walnut Banana Bread

Elevate your banana bread game by swapping hazelnuts with crunchy walnuts for a more traditional twist.

Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Add rich dark chocolate chips for a decadent and gooey treat with every bite.

Spiced Banana Bread

Incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg to give your banana bread a warm, spiced flavor perfect for cooler seasons.

Peanut Butter Swirl Banana Bread

Swirl creamy peanut butter into the batter for a deliciously nutty combination.

Mango Coconut Banana Bread

For a tropical twist, mix in diced mango and shredded coconut for a refreshing flavor combination.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Blend grated carrots and a hint of cream cheese glaze for a hybrid treat merging two classic recipes.

Mocha Banana Bread

Add instant coffee or espresso powder along with chocolate chips for a coffee-inspired dessert.

Lemon Poppy Seed Banana Bread

Enhance your loaf with fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds for a citrusy touch.

Berry-Stuffed Banana Bread

Mix a variety of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries into the batter for a fruity treat.

Zucchini Banana Bread

Incorporate grated zucchini to keep the bread extra moist and add a subtle veggie infusion.