So I had a manky over ripe banana and wasnt sure what to do with it.

Don’t get me wrong I love me some good ol’ banana bread as much as the next gal (evidence here, here, here , here and here) but sometimes . . . I just want something more you know?

So, I thought I’d throw in some chocolate and added a pinch of chilli . . . you know, as you do.

I have been curious about the chocolate chilli combination since sweet sister of mine made this killer chocolate chilli , and I’m pretty sure I read about hot chocolate with chilli added to intensify the chocolate flavour . . . although I can not for the life of me find where it was that I stumbled across this piece of information . . . so maybe I’m cah-razy and totally making it up. Either way it’s a winner so if it’s all me then I’ll claim it as my own no problem.

What I am 100% sure of is that this Dark Chocolate Chilli Banana bread is incredible!

It is fudgey and rich, super moist (←sorry)  and just bonkers delicious. Thats right I said b-o-n-k-e-r-s delicious! And I mean it! Oh it just gets better and better as the days go on. The flavours settle and intensify and it somehow gets softer and more moist (←again, sorry) and even more chocolatey. It’s kinda like magic. And who doesn’t want a little magic in their day?

Do not be afraid of the chilli my friend, I promise you wont even notice it. It just really enhances the chocolate flavour, and come on, who doesn’t want their chocolate flavours enhanced?

Now go make this banana bread already , trust me you won’t be sorry. Or do it for yo’ mama for mothers day (←its this sunday FYI, do. not. forget!). She will love it. Promise! Bonus points will be scored. You’re welcome xoxo

Dark Chocolate Chilli Banana Bread
Makes 1 loaf, 12-16 slices

Ingredients –

3/4 cup plain flour

3/4 cup wholewheat pastry flour (or an additional 3/4 cup of plain flour)

1/3 cup cocoa powder (I use Hershey’s special Dark ♥)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon of chilli

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large bananas, mashed

1/3 cup greek yoghurt (I use Chobani ♥♥)

1/3 cup milk (I use skim)

20g dark chocolate chips, roughly chopped

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175 ‘C (350’F)

2 – Prepare your loaf pan, grease and flour or line with baking/parchment paper whatever you like

3 – In a medium size bowl, mash banana.

4 – Add egg, Greek yoghurt, vanilla, brown sugar and milk and whisk to combine.

5 – Over your banana batter, sift flours, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, spices and salt flakes and stir until almost combined.

6 – Add chocolate chips and fold into the batter until, careful not to over mix.

7 – Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 35-40 mins, until the top springs back when lightly pressed and a skewer/cake tester has just a few crumbs attached when inserted into the centre.

8 – If you can possible control yourself, allow the loaf to cool, then slice and serve.

Enjoy xoxo

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Question of the day –

What is the strangest flavour combination you have tried? Did you like it, love it or loath it?