Dark Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread - (Gluten Free Option)

I think if one dessert exemplified the COVID19 self-isolation measures, it would be banana bread.

This simple dessert recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, as it’s straightforward, and can be customized in a variety of ways.

This particular variation is my personal favourite banana bread recipe, which is a staple in my home! It’s decadent, and tempting for those with a sweet tooth. Hope you enjoy it!

The Recipe

Time allotment

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 h 15 minutes

Yield: 1 gluten free dark chocolate banana bread loaf

Cooking Utensils

Spatula
2 large bowls
Whisk - OR - Upright mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup (76g) salted butter - OR - 1/4 cup (62.5ml) vegetable oil
1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/4 cups (160g) baking flour
- If using gluten free flour without xanthan gum, add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 (therefore no extra xanthan gum needed)
1/2 cup (87.5g) dark chocolate chunks
- I cut-up a bar

Instructions

Preheat the oven for 350°F (180°C)
In one bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas
Add in 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar, 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, 1/3 cup (76g) salted butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract (these are the wet ingredients)
Mix all the ingredients together well
In another bowl, mix together 1 1/4 cups (160g) flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt (these are the dry ingredients)
Slowly pour 1/4 portions of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, until fully combined
Gently stir all of the ingredients together until just blended
Add in 1/2 cup (87.5g) dark chocolate, and briefly stir
1. I cut up a small dark chocolate bar, but you could use dark chocolate chips
Grease a bread mould with cooking spray - OR - parchment paper
Pour the dough into the bread mould
Add some extra pieces of dark chocolate and brown sugar on top of the dough for some added oomph
Bake the banana bread in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 55 minutes, or until golden brown
Take the banana bread of the oven, and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before consuming
Enjoy!