Delicious Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread with Rich Ganache Topping

This Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, offering a rich chocolate flavor and a moist, tender crumb. Enhanced with the unique addition of instant chocolate pudding in the batter and topped with a luscious dark chocolate ganache, this bread is a perfect treat for those following a gluten-free diet or anyone who loves the combination of banana and chocolate flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Banana Bread:

• 113 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
• 100 grams light brown sugar
• 100 grams granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 145 grams gluten-free multi-purpose flour
• 45 grams Dutch-processed cocoa
• 25 grams instant chocolate pudding (or additional gluten-free flour)
• 1 tsp Diamond Kosher Sea Salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp instant espresso (optional)
• 200 grams ripe bananas, mashed
• 115 grams full-fat sour cream

For the Ganache Topping:

• 115 grams heavy cream
• 85 grams dark chocolate chips
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift together gluten-free flour, instant chocolate pudding (or extra flour), cocoa, baking soda, salt, and instant espresso. Set aside.
3. Creaming: In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars for 4-5 minutes until light and creamy.
4. Add Eggs: Mix in eggs one at a time.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the mixer, mix until just combined. Follow with mashed bananas and sour cream, mixing briefly.
6. Bake the Bread: Transfer batter to the loaf pan. Let it rest at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake for 50-65 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Make Ganache: Simmer heavy cream, pour over chocolate chips and a pinch of salt. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
8. Finish with Ganache: Pour ganache over cooled bread. Let set before slicing.

Notes:

• If omitting instant chocolate pudding, replace it with an equal amount of gluten-free flour.
• The ganache topping is optional; you can also top the warm bread with extra chocolate chips.

This Gluten-Free Chocolate Banana Bread is not only a treat for those with dietary restrictions but also a delightful indulgence for any chocolate and banana lover. Enjoy it as a dessert or a special snack!