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. 

Wannabe Amish Friendship Bread

I pinned this recipe a while back from Red Fly Creations because it seemed easy and uncomplicated.  I've had Amish Friendship Bread a time or two, and while it is a yummy treat, it's not worth the hassle to me.  I don't want to wait 10 days and pass along starter bags and...you get the idea.  So, when I saw this recipe, with no kneading or rising or waiting, I was intrigued.  And so this morning, I decided to make it with breakfast.  Totally unhealthy? Yeah. But oh well!  Every once in a while its okay to start the day with a slice of sugary bread!

Cinnamon Bread

makes 1 loaf 

(can easily be doubled to make 2 loaves)

For the Batter:

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar (I used 1/2 brown, 1/2 granulated)

1 egg
1 t. vanilla

1 c. buttermilk (or 1 c. milk +1 T. white vinegar OR lemon juice)

1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour

1 t. baking soda

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

1/2 c. sugar

1 T. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg.  Add in buttermilk, flour, and baking soda.  Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 cinnamon sugar mixture.  Pour remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.  Swirl using a butter knife or wooden skewer.  Bake 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the center doesn't jiggle.  

(OPTIONAL: Reduce butter to 1/4 c. and add in 1/2 c. of apple sauce, 1/2 c. pureed pumpkin, or 1 ripened, smashed banana.)

Try spreading with whipped butter. Enjoy!

For another scrumptious dessert bread, click HERE!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread