The heady aroma of chocolate, the mild flavor of banana, and the undeniable sweetness of coconut are what make this Cocoa Coconut Banana Bread a complete standout, and the perfect loaf to give as a holiday gift.
*Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2015. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.
The thing I'm finding odd (but pleasant) as I sit down to write this post is that I can almost smell the aroma of chocolate and coconut wafting through the house, even though this bread is long gone. I consider that a testament to how tasty this simple-to-make loaf actually is.
Cocoa Coconut Banana Bread is easy to whip together but you'll notice that the bake time is long, and that's because it's so dense and chocolaty.
Remember that all good things come to those who wait, and this bread is well worth every minute spent in the oven.
If you'd like to up the chocolate ante of this bread (nice, but certainly not necessary), feel free to add some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter before baking. And, as I'm always prone to do (but didn't do this time), tossing in some chopped toasted nuts is never a bad thing in my book. But, if you're giving it as a gift, sometimes the simpler, the better.
COCOA COCONUT BANANA BREAD {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Yield: 1 loaf Prep Time: 10 minutes Bake Time: 70-90 minutes
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 overripe bananas
¼ cup buttermilk (or mix ¼ milk with ½ teaspoon lemon juice)
1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoon cocoa powder
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
loaf pan
baking spray
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-In a large bowl with a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the butter, sugar, eggs, bananas, buttermilk, and vanilla until well combined.
-Add the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Blend until well combined. Add in the coconut (chocolate chips and nuts, if using) and mix until combined.
-Scrape the mixture evenly into a loaf pan that has been sprayed with baking spray. Bake in a preheated oven for 70-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-Cool completely. If desired, wrap in plastic wrap and then gift wrap with ribbon.
Another thing you'll love about this Cocoa Coconut Banana Bread is that after it's wrapped tightly in plastic wrap you can pop it in the freezer for up to 3 weeks before you're ready to gift it.
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
What a tasty sounding bread! I bet it would be awesome as French toast.
Lauren Kelly says
This bread sounds delicious! I love baking breads to give as gifts for the holidays!
The Chunky Chef says
All these flavors work SO well together.... I bet this bread is completely amazing!!
Paula Jones says
Definitely a great gift giving idea!
Carrie R says
I just love the chocolate and coconut combo! I bet this banana bread is amazing! 🙂
Nikki says
Wow, this bread looks so nice! And I love that pan, it's beautiful and festive! Where did you get it?
Isabelle @ Crumb says
You can't go wrong with chocolate and coconut together, as far as I'm concerned... especially if you add some extra chocolate chips in there. (Because really, is there such a thing as too chocolatey? I think not.) A big fat slice of this loaf with a mug of strong coffee would be fantastic right about now.
Nutmeg Nanny says
I LOVE the sound of this bread. I love banana bread but that addition of chocolate and coconut makes it even better!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Coconut in banana bread is a glorious thing, and then you add chocolate and it is even better!
eatgood4life.blogspot.com says
I love banana bread any day of the week. I wish I had a big batch of it. Yours looks moist and tasty!
Megan Keno says
Looks scrumptious!
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
Yum, I'm loving this flavor combo - bananas and coconut are perfect together (and you can't go wrong w/ chocolate). Plus, I can't stop chanting cocoacoconut..cocoacoconut...cocoacoconut...
Carolyn Ketchum says
Love dense chocolate-y breads like this!
Michelle Verkade says
I love coconut! This looks amazing!
Lora Anna says
Two of my favorite flavors in a fantastic quick bread. I love different versions of banana bread and your cocoa-coconut version looks like a hit, Renee!
The Food Hunter says
That ornament is so dang cute! and this bread sounds yummy
Kimberly Killebrew says
Chocolate-coconut is always a winner in my book! This looks delicious!