There’s nothing like the smell of banana bread baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with its warm, comforting aroma. But when we’re craving something a little extra, we love adding a few special twists: juicy raspberries, chunks of dark chocolate, and crunchy walnuts. This recipe takes the classic banana bread we all know and love and turns it into something even more delightful and irresistible!
We’ve tried many banana bread variations, but this one is our favorite. The raspberries add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness, while the chocolate melts into the bread, making every bite a little indulgent. And of course, the walnuts bring that perfect crunch for texture lovers. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that’s fun, unexpected, and so satisfying. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or as a comforting treat any time of day!
🍌 Why We Love Adding Raspberries to Banana Bread
The natural sweetness of bananas pairs beautifully with the slight tartness of fresh raspberries. The berries keep the bread moist and add a colorful twist that makes each slice look as good as it tastes. Plus, raspberries are packed with antioxidants, so you get a boost of goodness with every bite.
Chocolaty Goodness & Nutty Crunch
Chocolate and bananas are a classic combo, and adding dark chocolate chunks to this bread feels like a match made in heaven. The chocolate melts as it bakes, creating rich, gooey pockets that add a little decadence to each bite. We like to use dark chocolate, but feel free to use your favorite kind.
As for the walnuts, they bring in a fantastic crunch and a warm, nutty flavor. Walnuts are full of healthy fats, making this banana bread just a little more wholesome. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor even more, bringing out their natural oils and making them extra crunchy!
🍫 Chocolate Tip
For gooey chocolate pockets, use chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bars instead of chips – they melt better and create a more indulgent texture.
How to Make This Recipe Vegan
For those wanting a plant-based version, this banana bread can easily be made vegan. Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter. The result? A deliciously moist and flavorful bread that’s entirely vegan!
This version is so good that even non-vegans won’t miss a thing. We’ve served it at family gatherings, and it’s always a hit – no one can tell the difference!
🍇 Fresh or Frozen Raspberries?
Both work well! Fresh raspberries add a slightly firmer texture, while frozen raspberries make the bread extra moist. Just add them straight from the freezer.
Perfecting the Moist Banana Bread Texture
We all want our banana bread to be moist, not dry or crumbly. The key is to use very ripe bananas (the riper, the better!) as they add natural sweetness and help keep the bread soft. Also, don’t overmix the batter – stir just until everything is combined to avoid a dense loaf.
If you want an even moister texture, add a dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk to the batter. And for a softer crust, cover the banana bread with foil halfway through baking. This will keep the bread tender and prevent it from drying out.
🧈 Moist Banana Bread Tip
Using oil instead of butter can make your banana bread extra moist and soft, but if you love that buttery flavor, feel free to use melted butter or a mix of both!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g fresh raspberries
- 100 g dark chocolate coarsely chopped
- 100 g walnuts coarsely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 100 g brown sugar
- 200 g flour
- 80 ml vegetable oil
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) using both top and bottom heat and prepare a silicone loaf pan (approx. 23 x 13 cm) – Alternatively, grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas: In a bowl, finely mash the bananas with a fork and stir in the eggs.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, brown sugar, sunflower oil, baking powder, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon.
- Mix: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Raspberries, Chocolate and Walnuts: Carefully fold raspberries, chocolate chunks and walnuts into the batter, taking care not to crush the raspberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then remove from the pan and let it cool completely.
Notes
- Healthy Variant: Replace the brown sugar with dates.
- For a nicer presentation, you can place some raspberries and walnut pieces on top of the batter before baking.
- The banana bread often tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread with Raspberries, Chocolate & Walnuts
🤔 Can I make this banana bread ahead of time?
Yes! This banana bread stays moist for days. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, or keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
🍫 Can I use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead?
Definitely! Feel free to use any chocolate you like, or even mix different types for a more complex flavor. Dark, milk, and white chocolate each add their unique twist.
🌱 Can I make this banana bread vegan?
Yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter. The result is deliciously vegan!
🍌 How do I know when my bananas are ripe enough?
Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots – the riper, the better! They’ll be sweeter and make your bread extra flavorful and moist.
🌰 Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well, adding their unique flavor. Or, if you’re nut-free, just leave them out or add extra chocolate.
🍞 Can I freeze banana bread?
Yes! Banana bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
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