Tropical Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This delightful Tropical Chocolate Chip Banana Bread elevates the classic recipe with the addition of sweet, toasted coconut flakes and rich chocolate chips, creating a heavenly dessert or snack that’s perfect any time of day. The combination of moist, ripe bananas, creamy applesauce, and melted butter ensures a tender crumb while the coconut adds a tropical touch. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white, dark, or milk chocolate, and consider folding in some chopped macadamia nuts for an extra layer of flavor. This banana bread is not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas, bringing a taste of the tropics to your kitchen!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup (toasted, if desired)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
mashed banana
1 cup (from about 3 medium or 4 large VERY ripe bananas)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (melted)
unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, toasted coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy. Then add the granulated sugar, melted butter or margarine, mashed bananas, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture well until all ingredients are fully combined.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
5
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
8
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Chocolate Chip Banana Bread?
It is a moist banana bread enhanced with toasted coconut flakes and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a tropical twist.
What makes this banana bread tropical?
The addition of sweetened toasted coconut flakes gives the bread its signature tropical flavor profile.
How long does it take to bake this banana bread?
The bread typically takes approximately 1 hour to bake in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size loaf pan is required?
You should use a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan for this recipe.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can experiment with white, dark, or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones.
Is it possible to add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped macadamia nuts are a great addition to enhance the tropical flavor.
How many bananas do I need?
You will need about 1 cup of mashed banana, which is roughly 3 medium or 4 large very ripe bananas.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of melted butter or margarine.
Why is applesauce included in the ingredients?
Unsweetened applesauce is used to ensure the bread has a moist and tender crumb.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour that has been sifted.
How do I know when the banana bread is finished?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Why should I avoid overmixing the batter?
Overmixing can result in a dense and heavy bread rather than a light and tender one.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The two large eggs should be beaten until they are frothy before adding other wet ingredients.
When should I add the chocolate chips?
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter after the wet and dry ingredients are combined.
Should the coconut be toasted?
Toasting the coconut is optional but recommended for a deeper tropical flavor.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it.
Where should I finish cooling the bread?
After the initial 10 minutes in the pan, move the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
One cup of granulated white sugar is used for sweetness.
How many servings does one loaf provide?
One loaf typically provides 10 servings.
Can I use under-ripe bananas?
It is best to use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Does this recipe use baking powder or baking soda?
It uses both: 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
Is there vanilla extract in this bread?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added for extra flavor.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Quick Bread.
Can I use parchment paper in the pan?
Yes, lining the pan with parchment paper allows for very easy removal of the loaf.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Whisk the sifted flour, coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl.
Is this bread suitable for dessert?
Yes, it makes a wonderful dessert or snack any time of the day.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
Can I use sweetened coconut?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut.