Marbled Banana Bread

I make banana bread often and wanted to give it a twist. I added some cocoa powder to part of the batter and created a Marbled Banana Bread. The combination of bananas and chocolate is always delicious and this bread is so pretty when sliced for serving. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and eat it for dessert, I dare you!

This recipe for Marbled Banana Bread makes 10-12 slices, depending on how thick you cut it. It always turns out moist and has a soft texture with a fine crumb. It can be taken to a family celebration or a gathering with friends, but no matter where you take it everyone will want the recipe. I’d love to hear your comments after making this fun twist on a classic bread recipe.

What’s needed to make Marbled Banana Bread?

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• OVERLY ripe bananas
• Hershey’s Cocoa powder, unsweetened
• eggs
• milk

Tips for making the best banana bread?

• You always want to use OVER-ripe bananas for recipes, for two reasons. First, they are so much sweeter than a ripe banana. As they develop brown spots, they are get sweeter and sweeter. And this translates to a sweeter recipe, no matter if you are using them in a smoothie or in baking. Second, ripe bananas break down more easily and can be incorporated into the bread batter with few or no lumps. Mash them thoroughly with a fork and add them right in.
• Hershey’s Cocoa (100% Cacao, unsweetened) was my choice for this recipe. It blends well and add such a rich chocolate flavor to any recipe. Be sure to purchase your cocoa powder unsweetened, as there is already sugar included in the recipe.
• I used a 9×5 inch loaf pan to make this Marbled Banana Bread. It was done perfectly for me in 40 minutes at 350 degrees. If your pan is smaller, for example 8×5 inches, you may need to bake the bread for a few extra minutes, 45-50 minutes.
• It is best to cool the bread completely before slicing and serving…unless of course, you just can’t wait to take a taste!

How to make Marbled Banana Bread?

• Gather your ingredients on the counter before you get started, this allows you to grab everything as you need it and the batter comes together quickly.
• You’ll begin by mashing your bananas and stirring them together with the sugar and vanilla. Mix together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until combined.
• Place 1/3 of the batter in a small bowl and add the cocoa powder. Layer both batters in the prepared 9×5 inch loaf pan and swirl to create the marbled effect.
• Bake this recipe for 40 minutes and then cool for 15 minutes before removing it from the pan.

For more marvelous ‘marbled’ desserts, check out these fun recipes:

• Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
• Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Whether you eat it for breakfast, a midday snack or dessert, this Marbled Banana Bread is a treat and sure to please your friends and family. Make some today and remember to leave me a comment below.