Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch bread pan with parchment paper and set it aside to make removal easier after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine bananas and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer or whisk to blend the mashed bananas and creamy peanut butter until smooth and no visible banana chunks remain. This creates a creamy base for the batter.
- Add sugars and eggs: Stir in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Then add the eggs and mix well to incorporate them fully into the batter.
- Incorporate liquids: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until all wet ingredients are fully mixed.
- Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of clumps.
- Divide batter: Split the batter evenly into two separate bowls to prepare for the marbling effect.
- Prepare chocolate batter: In a small bowl, stir together the melted dark chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Add this chocolate mixture to one half of the batter, stirring until well combined.
- Layer the batter: Alternately add spoonfuls of the plain and chocolate batter into the bread pan to create layers. Once all batter is in, use a knife to swirl through the mixture gently, being careful not to overmix and lose the marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked. If the bread starts browning too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 45 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas is key for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Melt the chocolate chips gently in a microwave or double boiler to avoid burning.
- The swirling technique creates a beautiful marbled appearance—avoid overmixing to keep the contrast distinct.
- If the loaf browns too quickly, tent with foil after 45 minutes of baking.
- Ensure toothpick inserted in center comes out clean to confirm doneness.
- This loaf stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freezes well for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American