This Black Forest Banana Bread blends the richness of dark chocolate, the sweetness of ripe bananas, and the tartness of maraschino cherries, creating a truly indulgent treat. The chocolate chips melt perfectly into the banana bread, and the chopped cherries add a pop of color and flavor in every bite.
Ideal for breakfast or as a dessert, this banana bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it on your own, each slice is a comforting reminder of the perfect combination of fruity and chocolatey goodness. It’s a simple yet delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
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1/4 cup cherry juice from the jar
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, mixing until just combined.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips, maraschino cherries, and cherry juice.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 10 slices
A Sweet Fusion of Banana Bread and Black Forest Cake
The origins of Black Forest Banana Bread can be traced back to the famous Black Forest Cake, a German dessert made with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and cherries. Known as “Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte” in Germany, the cake has earned global fame for its rich combination of chocolate, cherries, and cream. By taking the core components of Black Forest Cake and adding them to banana bread, this recipe creates a unique hybrid that appeals to both banana bread enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike. It’s a delightful fusion that brings the best of both worlds together in a single loaf.
Flavor Profile of Black Forest Banana Bread
The flavor profile of Black Forest Banana Bread is nothing short of heavenly. The ripe bananas provide the base, offering natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread rich and soft. Cocoa powder infuses the bread with a deep chocolate flavor, while semi-sweet chocolate chips melt throughout the loaf, adding bursts of chocolaty goodness in each bite. The maraschino cherries contribute a pop of tangy sweetness, balancing the richness of the chocolate and bananas. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that will leave anyone craving just one more slice.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
One of the primary reasons to try this Black Forest Banana Bread is its versatility. The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are pantry staples that many home bakers already have on hand. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to create something delicious without needing specialized or hard-to-find ingredients. Additionally, it is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, giving it as a gift, or enjoying it as an everyday treat.
Moreover, Black Forest Banana Bread is an ideal way to use overripe bananas. If you’ve got bananas sitting on your countertop that are too soft to eat but not quite ripe enough to throw away, this recipe makes use of them in the most delicious way possible. The natural sweetness of the bananas is key to the moist texture of the bread and provides the foundation for the flavor profile.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
While it’s important to recognize that Black Forest Banana Bread is a dessert, some of its ingredients do offer a few health benefits. Bananas, for example, are rich in potassium, which is crucial for heart health and proper muscle function. They also provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
Dark chocolate, especially when used in moderation, has been linked to several health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals. Additionally, it contains flavonoids that have been associated with improved heart health by helping lower blood pressure and improving blood flow. Maraschino cherries, though often considered a sweet treat, contain vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
While the bread is certainly a sweet indulgence, the use of bananas, chocolate, and cherries means that it offers a few nutritional perks that you won’t find in many other desserts.
Perfect for Every Season
Black Forest Banana Bread is a year-round treat, perfect for any season. In the summer, the bright flavor of maraschino cherries and the hint of chocolate make it a refreshing choice for a picnic or barbecue dessert. In the fall and winter months, the rich, comforting taste of banana bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a warm, cozy dessert that will fill your home with a delightful aroma as it bakes in the oven. The versatility of the bread allows you to serve it in many ways, from casual afternoon snacks to elegant brunch offerings.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about Black Forest Banana Bread is how easy it is to customize. You can experiment with different types of chocolate—dark, milk, or even white chocolate—to suit your personal preferences. If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can swap them out for fresh cherries or even dried cherries. For an added twist, try using nuts like walnuts or pecans, which pair wonderfully with banana bread and add a nice crunch. If you want to make the recipe even more decadent, you could drizzle some melted chocolate or whipped cream over the top of the loaf once it’s cooled.
This recipe is also adaptable for various dietary preferences. If you prefer to make it vegan, you can swap the eggs for flaxseed meal or a plant-based egg substitute and use dairy-free butter. To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. These changes allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of Black Forest Banana Bread while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Loaf
Achieving the perfect Black Forest Banana Bread comes down to a few essential baking tips. First, ensure that your bananas are ripe and mashed well. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister the bread will be. Additionally, be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dense loaf, while too little can result in a crumbly texture.
When adding the chocolate chips and cherries, fold them into the batter gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing the batter can cause the bread to become tough. It’s also essential to not overbake the bread. Keep an eye on it as it bakes, and do the toothpick test to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take the loaf out of the oven.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Black Forest Banana Bread
In conclusion, Black Forest Banana Bread is a deliciously indulgent treat that combines the best flavors of banana bread and Black Forest Cake. With its rich chocolate flavor, sweet bananas, and tangy cherries, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced home cook, this easy-to-make bread will bring joy to your kitchen and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Not only does this banana bread offer a unique flavor combination, but it also provides an opportunity for customization and experimentation. Whether you stick with the original recipe or add your personal touch, Black Forest Banana Bread is a versatile and delightful choice for any occasion. So, grab those overripe bananas and treat yourself to a loaf of this comforting, flavorful bread—you won’t regret it!