Marbled Banana Bread

Got some overripe bananas on hand? Whip up this easy and moist marbled banana bread featuring decadent chocolate banana swirls for a sweet treat that’s the best of both worlds and beautifully two-toned and utterly decadent.

If you are a fan of chocolate and banana, you are in for a treat. This marbled banana bread is a delicious way to enjoy your favorite flavors together. The combination of chocolate and banana is always yummy, but when in bread form, it creates a delectable treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you are making this to enjoy with a coffee or tea at breakfast, serve as a dessert, or indulge as a snack, this recipe is the perfect choice. 

The best part? This marbled chocolate banana bread is super easy to make and uses only simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It’s an utterly delicious way to use up leftover bananas, creating a fantastic flavor fusion that is sure to please a crowd. This is sure to become your go-to banana bread recipe.

Why You’ll Love Marbled Banana Bread

• Unique Appearance: The marbled effect created by combining the regular banana bread batter with the chocolate-flavored batter makes this bread beautiful. It’s amazing and eye-catching, making it a fun dish to serve for any occasion. 
• Rich Flavor Combination: The addition of chocolate adds a delightful richness and depth to the classic banana bread flavor. The sweet and slightly bitter notes of chocolate complement the natural sweetness of ripe bananas so well, creating a yummy flavor experience.
• Use of Overripe Bananas: This recipe provides a delicious way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. The bananas add moisture and a natural sweetness to the bread, making it a great snack or dessert. 
• Versatile: Marbled banana bread can be served in various ways. It’s delicious when eaten on its own, with a smear of butter for added richness, or even with a drizzle of melted chocolate or maple syrup for a decadent touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This bread is versatile and suitable for different occasions. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert after a meal. It is perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and more. If you are a huge fan of banana bread, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• All-purpose flour 
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Plain Greek yogurt 
• Milk 
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar 
• Melted butter
• Large eggs
• Vanilla
• Mashed bananas 
• Cocoa powder 

How to Make Marbled Banana Bread

• Step One: Line a standard metal loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75) with parchment paper.
• Step Two: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Step Three: Add the yogurt and milk to a small separate bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Step Four: Add the sugar and light brown sugar to a large bowl. Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
• Step Five: To the sugar and butter mixture, add the eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.
• Step Six: To the same bowl, add the mashed bananas and the combined yogurt and milk and whisk to combine.
• Step Seven: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients and whisk to combine.
• Step Eight: Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a spatula and divide the mixture in half equally, leaving half in the bowl and transferring half to the bowl that used to contain the dry ingredients.

• Step Nine: Set the plain ½ of the mixture aside. Add the cocoa powder to the other ½ of the mixture and whisk to combine. Work quickly, then scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure all cocoa is combined.
• Step Ten: Using a large ice cream scoop or spoon, working quickly, place six dollops of batter in a checkerboard pattern on the bottom of the loaf pan, using about half of each mixture. Then, alternate the checkerboard pattern in the next layer.
• Step Eleven: Using a butter knife or wooden skewer, pull the knife in a serpentine pattern in one direction, then rotate the pan 90 degrees and repeat in the other direction.
• Step Twelve: Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 60-65 minutes. It is ready when a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.
• Step Thirteen: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully release it from the pan onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

Equipment Needed

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• Metal loaf pan 
• Parchment paper 
• Large bowl 
• Whisk 
• Small bowl 
• Ice cream scoop/spoon 
• Baking sheet

What to Serve with Marbled Banana Bread

This amazing chocolate banana bread recipe goes well with several different accompaniments. 

• Butter
• No-Churn Chocolate Cake Ice Cream
• Stabilized Whipped Cream
• Hot Fudge Sauce
• Instant Pot Strawberry Jam
• Strawberry Sauce
• Maple Syrup 

Variations and Substitutions 

• Nuts: Add a crunchy element by folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. This will create a delicious crunch to your marbled banana bread. 
• Chocolate Chips: Enhance the chocolate flavor by mixing semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the chocolate banana bread batter. You can also place chocolate chips on top before baking. If you are a chocolate lover, this will elevate the bread to a whole other level. 
• Spices: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves to give the bread a cozy, spiced twist. This will enhance the overall comfort of the bread, making it a delicious aromatic treat.
• Citrus Zest: Grate the zest of an orange or a lemon into the batter for a hint of citrusy aroma and flavor. Chocolate and orange go very well together, so this will add a fun twist to the bread. 
• Nut Butter Swirl: Create a nut butter (e.g., peanut butter or almond butter) swirl alongside the chocolate batter for an extra layer of flavor. The nuttiness will make the bread even more flavorful. 
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For a cheesecake-like effect, mix cream cheese with a bit of sugar and swirl it into the batter. This will elevate the appearance and overall flavor of your marbled banana bread.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers of this delicious marble banana bread, you can easily store it at room temperature. Simply place your banana bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. It will keep on your counter for about three days. 

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can easily freeze leftovers of this banana bread. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. They should have brown speckles on the skin and be very soft. Overripe bananas are even better as they are sweeter and add natural moisture to the bread.
• Prep the Pan: Lining the loaf pan with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bread and prevents sticking. Ensure the parchment paper overhangs on the sides for easy lifting. Making sure you use a properly prepared pan will produce the best results. 
• Proper Mixing: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture. Mix until just combined.
• Checkerboard Pattern: When layering the batter in a checkerboard pattern, use a gentle hand to avoid over-mixing the chocolate and plain batters. The goal is to create a marbled effect, not to blend the two fully.
• Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Baking for too long can result in a dry loaf.
• Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it. This helps it set and makes it easier to handle. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slicing: For clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife or a serrated bread knife. Wiping the knife clean between each slice will help maintain its marbled look, accentuating the chocolate swirl.

Why is it Better to Use Overripe Bananas?

It’s a good idea to use overripe bananas in recipes like Marbled Chocolate Banana Bread because they bring a little extra sweetness and squishiness to the party.

Ripe bananas are like the rock stars of the bunch, with more natural sugars that make the bread taste even better without needing to dump in extra sugar.

Plus, their soft texture makes them blend into the batter like a champ, resulting in a moist and tender treat.

Let’s not forget that when bananas are overripe, their banana flavor is at its peak, giving your bread that delightful, banana-licious punch.

How to Quickly Ripen Bananas

If you don’t have any bananas that are ripe enough to make this super moist banana bread, fear not. There are ways to ripen your bananas quickly. Place them in a brown paper bag and fold the top to close. Adding an apple or another ripe fruit to the bag can speed up the process further. Leave the bag at room temperature for a day or two, and your bananas should be ready for your banana bread! 

How to Know When Banana Bread is Done Baking

• Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
• Color: The top of the banana bread should be golden brown.
• Texture: Gently press the top of the bread; it should spring back when lightly touched and not feel doughy.

Can I Use Frozen Bananas? 

Yes absolutely. Using frozen bananas is a great way to make the best banana bread. Freezing your overripe bananas is a great way to prevent food waste. Freeze until you are ready to use them, then thaw, peel, and mash them to incorporate them into your bread. 

Banana Bread Recipes

• Banana Bread Breakfast Casserole
• White Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread
• Nutella Banana Bread
• Crockpot Banana Bread

FAQ

Banana Recipes

• Banana Streusel Muffins
• Banana Raspberry Muffins
• Caramel Banana Nut Sundae
• Banana Pudding Fluff
• Banana Cupcakes
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread

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