Introduction to Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread
Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread is more than just a simple breakfast loaf; it is a celebration of contrasting textures and harmonious flavors that bring warmth to any kitchen. When you have a few overripe bananas sitting on your counter, the instinct is often to go for the traditional recipe, but adding vibrant maraschino cherries and rich chocolate chips transforms a standard bake into a gourmet experience. This particular Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread recipe leverages the natural sweetness of bananas and the tart-sweet pop of cherries, all tied together by a hint of almond extract that elevates the entire profile.
Creating the perfect Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread requires a balance of moisture and structure. By incorporating Greek yogurt, we ensure a tender crumb that stays fresh for days. Whether you are serving this for a festive brunch or keeping it in the pantry for a midnight snack, the visual appeal of the red cherry flecks against the dark chocolate is absolutely stunning. As we dive into this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nuances of selecting the best fruit, the importance of proper mixing, and how to achieve that elusive, perfectly domed top that every home baker dreams of. According to King Arthur Baking, the best bananas for baking are those that are heavily speckled or even completely black, as they provide the highest sugar content and the most intense aroma.
Why You’ll Love It
You will fall in love with this Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread because it offers a sophisticated twist on a nostalgic favorite. The addition of maraschino cherries provides a burst of candy-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy tones of the bananas. Furthermore, the miniature chocolate chips ensure that every single bite is packed with a chocolatey richness without overpowering the delicate fruit flavors. This loaf is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of butter and Greek yogurt, making it feel more like a decadent cake than a simple quick bread.
Another reason to adore this Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread is its versatility. It works perfectly as a gift for neighbors, a standout addition to a holiday dessert table, or a comforting treat on a rainy afternoon. If you enjoy unique fruit-forward bakes, you might also want to check out The Most Irresistible Maraschino Cherry Almond Bread: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia. The almond extract in this recipe is a game-changer, acting as a bridge between the cherries and the chocolate, creating a flavor reminiscent of a classic Black Forest cake but in the approachable form of a banana loaf.
Ingredients
To make the finest Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread, you need high-quality ingredients that serve specific roles in the baking process. From the leavening agents to the aromatic extracts, every component matters for the final result.
The Bread Components
- 1 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries (drained, juice reserved)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup smashed banana (approx. 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons (for tossing cherries)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chips
The Glaze Components
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice + 1 teaspoon
Notes and Substitutions
When preparing your Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread, feel free to make a few adjustments based on your pantry. If you don't have Greek yogurt, sour cream is an excellent 1:1 substitute that provides similar acidity and moisture. For a deeper flavor, you could use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, though it will make the bread slightly darker. If you prefer a more traditional banana flavor, you can find our base recipe here: The Ultimate Classic Moist Banana Bread Recipe. Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling during the creaming process.
Equipment
To achieve the best results with your Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread, you will need a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan. A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is highly recommended for creaming the butter and sugar effectively. You will also need mixing bowls, a sturdy spatula for folding in the cherries and chocolate chips, and a wire cooling rack to ensure the loaf cools evenly without becoming soggy.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your loaf is baked to perfection every time.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing.
- Step 3: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon almond extract to provide that signature cherry-almond aroma.
- Step 4: Mix in the 1 cup smashed banana and 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Ensure the mixture is well combined, though a few small lumps of banana are perfectly fine.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 6: Chop the drained maraschino cherries and toss them with the remaining 2 teaspoons of flour. This is a crucial step for Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread to prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the floured cherries and the 1 cup miniature chocolate chips into the batter using a spatula.
- Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Step 9: While the bread cools, whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of cherry juice to create the glaze. Drizzle over the completely cooled Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread.
Pro Tips for Success
The secret to a perfect Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread lies in the details. First, always drain your cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel; excess syrup can lead to a gummy texture in the crumb. Second, the "spoon and level" method for measuring flour is vital to prevent a dense, dry loaf. If you scoop directly from the bag, you often pack too much flour into the cup. Lastly, if you notice the top of your Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread is browning too quickly in the oven, simply tent a piece of aluminum foil over the pan for the last 20 minutes of baking. This allows the center to cook through without burning the exterior.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve a thick slice of Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread slightly warm with a schmear of salted butter or even a dollop of whipped cream for a true dessert experience. This bread stores beautifully; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it will stay moist at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices of Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or give them a quick toast. For a variation, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a crunch, or swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa flavor.
Nutrition Information
Below is the estimated nutrition information per serving for this loaf. Please note that these values can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 12g |
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on common ingredient data and should be used for informational purposes only.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread is a true standout in the world of quick breads. With its unique combination of tropical banana, sweet cherry, and rich chocolate, it satisfies every craving in a single slice. The moisture provided by the Greek yogurt and the aromatic lift from the almond extract ensure that this loaf is a cut above the rest. We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread as much as we do. Happy baking!
FAQs
How do I prevent my cherries from sinking in Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread?
To prevent cherries from sinking, toss them in two teaspoons of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps the fruit grip the batter and stay distributed throughout the loaf.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. However, make sure to thaw and drain them completely, and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture ruining the crumb of your banana bread.
Why is my banana bread dry?
Banana bread usually turns out dry due to overbaking or using too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping, and check for doneness early.
What is the best way to store this bread?
Store your Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Chocolate Chip Cherry Banana Bread
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and decadent banana bread packed with sweet maraschino cherries and miniature chocolate chips, topped with a cherry glaze.
Ingredients
1 16-ounce jar maraschino cherries, drained and juice reserved
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 large eggs
1 cup smashed banana (approx. 2 medium bananas)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 cup miniature chocolate chips
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons cherry juice + 1 teaspoon (for glaze)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
Step 4: Mix in the smashed banana and Greek yogurt until combined.
Step 5: Whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.
Step 6: Chop the drained cherries and toss with the remaining 2 teaspoons of flour, then fold into the batter with the chocolate chips.
Step 7: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow bread to cool completely before drizzling with a glaze made of powdered sugar and cherry juice.
Notes
Drain the cherries very well and pat them dry to prevent the bread from becoming too wet. The flour coating on the cherries is essential for suspension.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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