Monday 13 August 2012

Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Banana Loaf


I feel like I have not baked with bananas for a while so I made two quick recipes recently.  I love adding fresh fruit to banana bread and I love experimenting with different flavours.  This is not outside the box but raspberries and dark chocolate are definitely a match made in heaven. They worked really well in the banana loaf and it felt healthy (ish) and decadent at the same time. The bread was moist and flavourful and I love the tartness of the raspberries to contrast the dark chocolate and sweet bananas. I used spelt flour to make it a little healthier but you can of course use plain flour. 

I missed out on one of my favourite challenges Simple and in Season last month so I'm sending this along as raspberries are in season at present. Chocolate is always in season for me but perhaps that point is debatable? Simple and in Season is hosted by Ren from Fabulicious Food



I'm also entering this to Calendar Cakes which is hosted by Rachel from Dolly Bakes this month and co-hosted by Laura from Laura Loves Cake. The theme this month is British summertime and raspberries definitely scream summer to me!

I haven't made anything for Made with love Mondays for a while as I've been baking with restricted ingredients! However, this is made from fresh ingredients and should fit the bill for Made with love Mondays hosted by Javelin Warrior.



 fresh raspberries and some brown bananas

 adding dark chocolate chips.. 

 then the fresh raspberries... 

 sprinkle a few on top

 delicious! 

An original recipe by bakingaddict

250g spelt flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
200g brown sugar
60g butter
2 eggs
3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup yoghurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
150g dark chocolate chips
225g fresh raspberries


  • Preheat the oven to 175C.
  • Combine the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
  • Cream the butter and sugar.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time.
  • Stir in roughly mashed bananas, yoghurt and vanilla extract.
  • Fold in the flour mixture until just mixed - be careful not to over mix the batter.
  • Gently stir in the chocolate chips and finally the fresh raspberries (you can reserve some of each to decorate on top)
  • Bake for approximately 50 - 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 


22 comments:

  1. How delicious! I'm always partial to a raspberry bake and I like the fact that you are getting 2 of your 5 a day whilst eating chocolate! ;-) Thanks for entering Calendar Cakes.

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    1. I love raspberries too but don't think I've had it with banana bread previously. Will have more berry goodness later :)

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  2. That sounds like my idea of a cake - I love banana breads, adore raspberries and the dark chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch!

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    1. Its a really good cake- I love all the ingredients too :)

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  3. Ooh yummy! I saw a similar recipe on Cupcake Crazy Gem's blog a while ago and bookmarked it. I'm always on the look out for banana bread recipes too. My friend recently told me about an earl grey banana bread recipe which I'm going to try next.

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    1. I'm sure you know I love baking with bananas :) I made an earl grey banana bread ages ago - it was delicious, perfect with a cup of tea so can't wait to see yours!

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  4. I love raspberries too anf this look really delicious I would like to participaye in this challenge sounds really nice!

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  5. I went grocery shopping and bought a bunch of bananas thinking of making a banana pie but now all i want to make is this glorious banana loaf!!!!

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    1. I'm sure whatever you made with your bananas, it was delicious!

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  6. oooooooooh.. bananas, choc chips and raspberries... um... YES PLEASE!!!... what a combination sensation!

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    1. It really was amazing - wonder why I've not thought of it before!

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  7. WOW, I wish I can have a bite :D Looks really good..

    XoXo
    http://abudhabifood.blogspot.com

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  8. The last time I made banana bread, it was with semi-sweet chocolate chips, but next time I'm trying with the dark chocolate and the raspberries as you've done here - it sounds amazing, Ros! Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration!

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    1. The dark chocolate works really well with the raspberries!

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  9. Of course chocolate is in season - I mean, really!!!!!!

    Raspberries and chocolate are a great combination and your loaf sounds delicious.

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    1. ha ha so pleased you agree with me about chocolate being in season :)

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  10. I love raspberries and chocolate in banana bread - it had fast become my favourite until I made blueberry banana bread the other day and now I'm torn between the two! but I definitely think I can't just make plain old banana bread any more - jazzing it up is my fave thing to do!

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    1. I love blueberry banana bread too and yes you're right I can't just make plain banana bread either - I'm forever adding something or other to it. The possibilities are endless!

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  11. This looks great! I keep having to use up old bananas, this may be a recipe I will have to try next time!

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    1. Yes do give it a try and let me know what you think.

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