Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf with Banana

Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf with Banana: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting, look no further than this Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf with Banana. This recipe is a perfect blend of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a moist, flavorful loaf that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

The combination of chocolate and banana is nothing new, but when paired with the nutty crunch of pecans, it takes the flavor profile to a whole new level. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, or you need a delicious dessert to serve at a special occasion, this chocolate pecan loaf is the perfect choice.

Let’s dive into how to make this luscious loaf that’s sure to be a hit in your kitchen!

Ingredients:
For the Banana Chocolate Pecan Loaf:
2 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or you can use vegetable oil for a lighter texture)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, if you don’t have buttermilk)
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer)
1 tablespoon flour (for tossing with chocolate chips and pecans)
For the Optional Topping:
A few extra pecans for sprinkling on top
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
A drizzle of melted chocolate (optional)
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Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. You want them to be as mashed as possible with minimal lumps. To the mashed bananas, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter (or oil). Stir until everything is well combined.

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and buttermilk, and mix well.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the loaf tender. If you overwork the batter, it may become dense.
5. Add the Chocolate and Pecans:
   Toss the chocolate chips and chopped pecans in 1 tablespoon of flour (this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf). Gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed. This step ensures the chocolate and nuts are spread throughout the loaf and not just at the bottom.
6. Bake the Loaf:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top of the batter if you’d like a nice, crunchy topping.

Bake the loaf for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so check after 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Once the loaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Optional Toppings and Garnish:
   For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle the cooled loaf with some melted chocolate or sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also add extra chopped pecans for garnish, giving the loaf an extra crunchy bite.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the loaf is fully cooled, slice it up and enjoy the rich, moist layers of banana, chocolate, and pecans. Serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even as a sweet breakfast treat.
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