 The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”
Hey everybirdy!
As I mentioned in my series intro, this new collection is all about using those basic pantry ingredients you already have on hand. Today we are tackling a classic with a twist: Chocolate Banana Bread. This was actually the very first bread I ever made, and it remains a “Pantry Baking” favorite because it’s so forgiving and delicious.
Why This Recipe is My Favorite Baking Therapy
Baking bread is a wonderful way to practice patience. Whether you use a standard loaf pan or mini-loaf pans like I did, there is something so grounding about watching the batter rise and transform. When I’m feeling “socially awkward” or a bit scattered, the simple act of mashing bananas and whisking cocoa powder helps me find my center.
đź“‹ Pro Tips for Your Banana Bread
- The Mini-Loaf Hack: I recently bought some adorable mini-loaf pans! If you use these (or a muffin tin), your bake time will drop significantly—usually to about 10–15 minutes instead of an hour.
- The “Clean Pick” Rule: No matter what pan you use, always use a wooden pick or knife to check the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is perfect.
- Don’t Measure the Mash: I’ll be honest—I rarely actually measure my mashed bananas. Use about two large ones and just go with it!
đź›’ Ingredients & Essentials (Measurements)
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup Butter, softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
- ÂĽ cup Milk
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups King Arthur All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- â…“ cup Cocoa Powder
- ½ cup Nuts (Optional)
👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan (or mini-pans!).
2. Combine Wet:
Beat the butter, sugar, bananas, milk, eggs, and vanilla together for about 1 minute.
3. Add Dry:
Stir in your flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa until just combined.
4. Bake:
Pour into your pan(s). Bake for 50–60 minutes for a full loaf, or 10–15 minutes for mini-loaves.
5. Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing.
âť“ Common Baking Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make these as muffins?
Robby: Absolutely! Just like the mini-loaf pans, muffins take about 10-15 minutes to bake. They are great for “Stretching the Dough” for a quick breakfast.
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Join the Conversation!
I am so happy with how this bread turned out, especially in those cute new pans! What is your favorite “pantry essential” to bake with? Leave a comment below and let me know—it helps more people find my baking therapy mission!
Happy baking!
Banana Chocolate Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup ripe banana mashed (even though I did not measure)
- ÂĽ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- ½ cup nuts optional
Directions
- Combine the butter, sugar, bananas, milk, eggs, and vanilla, beat 1 minute
- add the dry ingredients and mix.
- Pour into 9×5 inch loaf pan, greased.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes at 350°.
- Cool 5 minutes and remove from pan.
- That is what the recipe says but, I used these pans, so I only baked them for about 15 minutes at 350°.
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