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Slice of chocolate banana bread with a checkered cocoa and banana batter pattern

Chocolate Banana Bread with Checkered Pattern and Cocoa

Chocolate Banana Bread with Checkered Pattern and Cocoa is a soft, moist loaf with rich banana flavor, cocoa contrast, and an eye-catching marbled design. It is a comforting bake that adds a special touch to breakfast, dessert, or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Banana mixture
  • 3 large overripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry ingredients
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cocoa paste
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3-5 tablespoons boiling water
Butter mixture
  • 9 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or mini loaf pans.
  2. Combine the mashed bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, then set aside.
  3. Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon together into a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
  4. Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. With the mixer on low, add the banana mixture and flour mixture in thirds, alternating portions until combined.
Assembly
  1. Mix the cocoa powder with 3 tablespoons boiling water in a small bowl. Add additional boiling water as needed within the provided range to reach the desired texture.
  2. Move half of the batter to a separate bowl and blend in the cocoa mixture to create the chocolate batter.
  3. Spoon alternating portions of the light and dark batters into the prepared pan. Gently swirl the batters to create the marbled or checkerboard pattern.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20 minutes, then check every 5 minutes afterward for a puffy, springy top. Mini loaf pans should bake for about 20 minutes, while a full loaf pan should bake for 40-50 minutes.

Notes

Use well-mashed overripe bananas and gently swirl the batters to help maintain the checkered pattern.