Experience the divine pairing of rich chocolate and zesty orange in this delightful Chocolate Orange Banana Bread. This bread is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, it’s a simple recipe that yields spectacular results and will quickly become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This: This banana bread recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also brings a refreshing twist with the addition of orange juice and zest, offering a vibrant citrus flavor that perfectly complements the chocolate. It’s moist, indulgent, and perfectly sweet, making it ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert.
Perfect Occasion: Perfect for brunches, cozy breakfasts, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this chocolate orange banana bread can be enjoyed on any occasion. It’s especially delightful during the holiday season, where its bright flavors can truly shine, or as a special treat during afternoon tea with friends.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle the top of the batter with a mix of coarse sugar and additional orange zest before baking. This not only adds a lovely crunch but also intensifies the orange aroma. A drizzle of chocolate glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking can also enhance its visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or any neutral oil
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- Juice and zest of 1 large orange
- 1 3/4 cups plain flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, oil, yogurt, eggs, mashed bananas, and the juice and zest of the orange. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, and baking powder. Stir the mixture gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this luscious Chocolate Orange Banana Bread, a perfect treat that combines the classic flavors of banana bread with the rich, aromatic twist of chocolate and orange!
