Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love banana bread but sometimes crave a little twist to make it truly pop. Well, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite treat—this Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe. It’s moist, packed with ripe bananas, bursting with juicy raspberries, and melty dark chocolate chunks that make every bite a delightful surprise. Stick around, and I’ll share how to bake this fan-freaking-tastic loaf that’ll have your kitchen smelling like heaven and your taste buds doing a happy dance!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Moisture Balance: The ripe bananas and Greek yogurt keep the bread beautifully moist without being soggy.
- Flavor Harmony: The tartness of fresh raspberries pairs so well with rich dark chocolate creating a flavor combo that’s hard to beat.
- Easy to Make: With simple pantry staples and a straightforward method, anyone can whip this up on a lazy afternoon.
- Flexible Add-ins: Toss in extra berries or chocolate on top to make it as decadent and pretty as you want.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient plays its part in this Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe — from the flour for structure to those luscious raspberries that you want bursting through every slice. I always recommend using ripe bananas (they’re sweeter and softer) and fresh raspberries if possible, but frozen works in a pinch.
- All-purpose flour: Gives your bread structure without weighing it down.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors for a balanced taste.
- Sugar: Sweetens just right, complementing the fruit and chocolate.
- Butter (at room temperature): Adds richness and tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together to hold the loaf.
- Bananas (about 3 ripe): The star of the show, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
- Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread moist with a slight tang.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the taste with warm, sweet notes.
- Dark chocolate chunks: For melty bites of deep chocolate goodness throughout.
- Fresh raspberries tossed in flour: Flour prevents the berries from sinking to the bottom so they’re evenly spread.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve swapped in walnuts, tried different yogurts, and even made it with white chocolate chips instead. Feel free to make it your signature loaf!
- Nutty Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch and extra flavor; I especially love this to contrast the soft berries.
- Vegan Twist: You can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Seasonal Changes: Swap raspberries for blueberries or blackberries for a different berry burst depending on what’s fresh.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan – I like using a non-stick spray for easy cleanup. While the oven warms, toss your fresh raspberries in a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of your bread. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the sugar.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This combo will give your bread that proper rise and balance – don’t skip the salt because it really enhances the flavors!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together for about a minute until fluffy and well blended. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the mixture stays nice and smooth.
Step 4: Stir in Bananas, Yogurt, and Vanilla
Now, mash those ripe bananas — I usually use about three medium ones — and toss them into your mixture along with the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until just combined, which keeps the bread tender and moist.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in your flour mixture, but be careful not to over-mix. Overworking the batter can make the bread dense instead of soft and fluffy, so mix just until the flour disappears.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Raspberries
Gently stir in the dark chocolate chunks first, then fold in those floured raspberries carefully to avoid breaking them up too much. If you’d like to prettify the top, sprinkle a few extra berries and chocolate pieces over the batter in the pan.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it — it’s done when a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two attached. I like to cool it in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp butter and eggs helps the batter blend better for an even crumb.
- Don’t Skip Tossing Raspberries in Flour: This little step prevents them from sinking straight to the bottom — trust me, it makes a difference.
- Check for Doneness Early: Insert a toothpick at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the bread.
- Cool Before Slicing: Letting your loaf cool fully makes slicing cleaner and helps flavors settle for better taste.
How to Serve Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a smear of softened butter on top right when the bread is warm – it just melts in so beautifully. For a fancy brunch, a dollop of vanilla whipped cream or mascarpone cheese with fresh raspberry garnish makes this bread feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This banana bread goes wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it my go-to weekend breakfast. I sometimes pair it with a fresh fruit salad to keep things light, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the bread thinly and thread it onto skewers alternating with fresh raspberries and chocolate chunks for a fun handheld treat. I’ve also wrapped individual slices in parchment and tied them with twine as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container on the counter for up to three days. It keeps moist and fresh without refrigeration, which can sometimes dry it out.
Freezing
This Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread freezes beautifully. I like to slice it first and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a quick treat, one slice thaws on the counter in 30 minutes or I pop it in the toaster for a warm, fresh taste.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and melts the chocolate chunks just right.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen raspberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to toss the frozen raspberries in flour while still frozen to prevent them from sinking and bleeding color throughout the batter. There’s a slight increase in moisture, but the bread will still be delicious.
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How do I know when the banana bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center around 50 minutes; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If it’s still gooey, bake in 5-minute increments and check again.
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Can I substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt?
Yes, sour cream and regular yogurt work fine as substitutes and will keep the bread moist; Greek yogurt tends to be thicker and adds a nice tang. Just use plain varieties for best results.
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Is it okay to use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Definitely! Milk chocolate will make the bread sweeter and less intense. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, go for milk chocolate; otherwise, dark chocolate balances the berry tartness perfectly.
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Can I make this banana bread gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be a bit different, but it usually turns out great. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free too.
Final Thoughts
This Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen and I genuinely hope it becomes one in yours too. It’s the kind of treat that brings comfort and delight whether you’re having a quiet morning or hosting friends for coffee. With its fluffy texture, juicy bursts of raspberry, and rich chocolate bites, it’s honestly hard to resist. So grab those ripe bananas, get your oven warming, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!
Print
Raspberry Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful treat combining ripe bananas, tart raspberries, and rich dark chocolate chunks. Perfect for a breakfast delight or an indulgent snack, this loaf offers a perfect balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
- ⅓ cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 cup raspberries tossed in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to beat 1 cup sugar and 4 tablespoons of softened butter together for about 1 minute until well blended and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Add Banana, Yogurt, and Vanilla: Stir in 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas, ⅓ cup yogurt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until just blended into the batter.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the dry flour mixture just until moist. Be careful not to over mix as this can make the bread dense.
- Fold in Chocolate and Raspberries: Stir in 1 cup dark chocolate chunks. Then gently fold in 1 cup raspberries that have been tossed in 1 tablespoon flour to prevent sinking. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chunks and raspberries on top for decoration.
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Once baked, cool the bread for 15 minutes in the loaf pan on a wire rack. Then remove from the pan and cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ripe bananas work best for natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Tossing raspberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt for added protein and tanginess.
- Dark chocolate chunks can be replaced with semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips based on preference.
- Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg