Moist Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

And so, my summer of organic chemistry is done! 

Por fin!

I made this bread to munch on while I shamelessly lounge around, watching reruns of House, TLC, and old Lifetime movies.  This bread was so, so moist and dense and delectable.  After two days in the fridge, it really peaked in yumminess--I wish I made TWO!  

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

1/3 c. butter, softened

1 c. AP flour

1 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

pinch of salt (omit if salted butter was used)

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 cup smashed bananas, over-ripe

1 t. vanilla

1 egg

1/2 c. plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)

3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease an 8-1/2x4-1/2" loaf pan. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.

In an electric mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.  Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl.  Add in bananas and vanilla; continue mixing for another minute.  Mix in egg until mixture is well combined.  

Set electric mixer to low speed, and gradually add in flour mixture.

Mix in yogurt by hand until there are a few remaining white streaks.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Transfer batter to loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Cool completely, then store in refrigerator. 

Healthier Peanut Butter Fudge Cups

These peanut butter fudge cups are ridiculously easy to make and store in the freezer, and they can definitely satisfy a sweet craving.  What's even better?  They are a notch healthier than your run-of-the-mill peanut butter cups, so you don't feel as guilty about eating 2 or 3!  I'm sure these would also be great with crunchy peanut butter or even almond butter.
Mmmmmm.....  

Peanut Butter Fudge Cups

makes 20 mini cups, as photographed

1/2 c. coconut oil

1/2 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 c. powdered sugar (if you prefer sweeter, increase to 1/2 c.)

1 t. vanilla extract

Combine ingredients until smooth and well incorporated using electric mixer. Pour into lined cupcake or muffin tins.  Freeze until solidified.  Ready to serve in about 20 minutes. 

Soft Chocochip Cookies

 In search of a chocolate chip cookie recipe that I could throw together quickly for my boyfriend and some of his friends, I found this recipe on the blog A Chick Who Can Cook.

The corn starch is the secret ingredient that makes these so soft. This recipe yielded about 2 dozen medium-sized cookies.  Really quick and easy recipe, and didn't leave me with a ton of extra cookies!

Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 t. cornstarch

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1 egg

2 t. vanilla extract

1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.  Slowly mix in flour mixture.  Fold in chocolate chips.  Drop by the spoonful on a cookie tray.  Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are barely just turning golden brown.

Delectable Cheesecake Brownies

I'm a firm believer that the more sweets you eat, the more sweets you want.

Being around people who have dessert after dinner and cookies lying around, is giving me a real sweet tooth.  As much as I try to resist, I often cave into my desires.  Chocolate is becoming a real weakness for me!  Anyway,  I made these brownies last night, just to be sweet to my boyfriend and his brother :)

Hahaha, who am I kidding?!? I made these brownies because they are soooo yummy and I was craving some chocolatey goodness.   This is a super simple recipe--don't be setback because it includes boxed brownie mix!  Enjoy :D

Cheesecake Brownies

1 box Brownie Mix (make sure the back specifies that it can fit into a 9x13")

Prepare brownie mix according to box directions.

1-8oz. package Cream Cheese, softened

1 egg

1/3 c. sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

Handful semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13" pan.  Pour prepared brownie mix into pan.  Mix cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla together.  Spoon over brownie mix.  Using a butter knife, swirl cheesecake and brownie layers as desired.  Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the top.  Bake 25-30 minutes, until cooked through. 

Try not to eat these for every meal--they are really high in sugar and really low in beneficial nutrients!!!