Double Chocolate Pecan Banana Bread

What better way to make use of the overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter than by whipping up a quick batch of double chocolate pecan banana bread? The pecans give a nice little crunch to this decadent recipe. Some may say this recipe is too sweet to enjoy for breakfast, but I say life is too short to unnecessarily limit your breakfast choices. Treat yourself to a slice any time of the day! It’s also a good, quick option if you need to make a sweet treat for somebody.

Regular VS. Dark Cocoa Powder

I like to use Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder (this post isn’t sponsored or anything, I just REALLY like that product!). I’ve tried a few other brands and they just don’t compare. The regular cocoa powder is okay – but the dark cocoa powder really creates a deep, rich flavor that is just incredible. Using part brown sugar also contributes to the delightful flavor. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds to the depth of flavor in this recipe (and any recipe you use brown sugar in).

Leavening Agents for Double Chocolate Pecan Banana Bread

This double chocolate pecan banana bread recipe uses both natural and chemical leavening agents to make the banana bread rise. Banana bread actually became popular along with chemical leavening agents baking soda and baking powder. Prior to that, bananas didn’t often appear as ingredients in dessert recipes. With how common it is to see bananas used in dessert recipes, I was surprised to read that they weren’t utilized for desserts in the United States until about 60 years after they were brought over from Jamaica.

How to Enjoy Double Chocolate Pecan Banana Bread

Enjoy a slice of this delicious banana bread for breakfast or brunch! It pairs wonderfully with a good cup of coffee, or glass of milk. This banana bread recipe is also sweet enough to be enjoyed as a dessert following your meal. One of my favorite ways to eat a slice of this decadent double chocolate pecan banana bread is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Now that I think about it, it would also be great with bourbon pecan ice cream. There is really no wrong way to enjoy this.

Double Chocolate Pecan Banana Bread

This decadent double chocolate pecan banana bread is no doubt the most delicious way to utilize those ripe bananas sitting on your counter!

Print Recipe

Servings 1 Loaf

Ingredients

3 Bananas
0.5 cup Unsalted Butter melted
0.75 cup Brown Sugar
0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
1 Egg
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Baking Soda
0.5 tsp Salt
1 cup All Purpose Flour
0.5 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa Powder you can use any brand, but this is my personal favorite!
0.5 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
0.5 cup Chopped Pecans

Instructions

Mix together the bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt in one bowl until evenly combined.
In a different bowl, whisk together the baking soda, all purpose flour, and cocoa powder.
Add 1/3 of flour mixture to banana mixture and fold in to combine. Continue adding the flour mixture and folding in, 1/3 at a time until everything is combined.
Fold your chocolate chips and pecans into the batter.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans and chocolate chips on the top before baking.
Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).
Let cool completely before cutting into slices. Enjoy!