Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread

I know I haven’t been shy about offering up banana bread recipes — there are four variations on the site already (pick your flavor: coconut, double chocolate, plain or chai-spiced) — but this one’s such a beaut, I couldn’t resist adding one more. The bread is tender and sweet-scented with a gorgeous ribbon of melted chocolate running through it that complements the banana flavor perfectly. Plus, it’s fun to make: you spoon the banana and chocolate batters into a loaf pan alternately, then artistically swirl the two together with a knife.

Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between so the chocolate doesn’t scorch, until the chocolate is almost melted. Stir, letting the residual heat melt the chocolate completely, then stir in the cocoa powder.



INGREDIENTS

• 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas, from 2-3 bananas
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (a heaping 1/2 cup)
• 2 teaspoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Add the mashed bananas, sour cream and vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. ..........................................

for full instruction please see : www.onceuponachef.com