Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with butter or oil, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mash Bananas: In a large or medium bowl, mash the bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter (or coconut oil), eggs, and vanilla to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until fully combined.

4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

6. Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in most of the chopped dark chocolate, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for the top of the bread.

7. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining dark chocolate on top for an extra chocolatey touch.

8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

9. Cool: Allow the banana bread to cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes:

• Bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe or overripe (with brown spots or fully brown peel) for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Chocolate: Use good-quality dark chocolate that you chop yourself, or packaged chocolate chunks.
• Butter Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap butter with coconut oil, but make sure it is melted and cooled before mixing it in.
• Serving Suggestions: This banana bread is great on its own, or you can serve it with butter or nut butter for added richness.

Enjoy this delicious, moist banana bread that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!