Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Chocolate Banana Bread

I don’t know what it is about the combination of banana and chocolate. It is hands down one of my favorite flavor combinations. I remember last summer when I was going through wicked morning sickness, and couldn’t keep any food down, the only thing I wanted was frozen chocolate covered bananas. It hit the spot every time. I also loved to make my banana chocolate chip muffins often too, and had them often for breakfast.

Of course, I’ve posted several variations of banana recipes; muffins, breads and snack cakes. But this one is pure decadence and one my whole family loves. It is moist and not too heavy. It doesn’t contain a ton of sugar or fat but has the perfect balance of chocolate and banana flavor. I’ve purposely rough mashed the bananas in this recipe because I love to see the specks of mashed banana in the bread; feel free to mash finer if you so please. I also love to add a rather generous amount of dairy free chocolate chips to the batter because it gives a delightful added taste of rich chocolate in every bite.

This is one of those easy recipes that can be mixed in one bowl by hand with a rubber spatula. It is perfect to make with your kids; have the younger ones mash the bananas, and have the older ones learn how to mix and measure the ingredients into the bowl. With school  spring breaks right around the corner, it is the perfect activity to do with everyone when you are all tapped out of projects.

Happy baking everyone!

Dairy, Egg and Nut Free Chocolate Banana Bread

• 1/2 c. dairy free margarine, melted
• 1 3/4 c. ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 large)
• 2 T. water
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 3/4 c. unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 c. cocoa powder (I use Hersey’s)
• 3/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 c. dairy free chocolate chips (I use Divvies or Enjoy Life)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 inch loaf pan generously with dairy free baking spray. Set aside.

In small bowl combine the melted margarine, bananas, water and vanilla with spoon. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt with a wire whisk. Add margarine mixture to the flour mixture and stir with rubber spatula just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 50-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool and serve.