Chocolate Banana Bread

Greet the kids after school with a slice of this soft and delicious Chocolate Banana Bread!  It’s a snack they’ll beg for time and time again!

My kiddos are back in school and for the most part are really liking it.  I can’t say they’re completely having a great time because of the homework that comes home each evening and with it the whines.  I’m not going to lie…I want to complain with them because I miss our free evenings.  Now they’re occupied with reading, spelling, and math assignments, sight word quizzing and book reports.  My fourth grader is pretty independent about accomplishing it on her own, but my first grade son needs much more assistance.  It’s all so worth it, though. I get a kick out of watching them progress in their education.

They’re really enjoying reuniting with their friends again too.  I look forward to picking the kids up each day and seeing them beaming and then getting an earful about all the exciting things that happened on the playground and in the classroom.

My son even has his first crush, which he talks nonstop about. Does it seriously happen that early?  I need to meet this girl.  🙂

He’s apparently a “math superhero” in his class, which pretty much means he’s the resident math expert. 🙂  Needless to say, he’s a little too proud about that one.  He’s pretty confident in his abilities in that area.  Too bad I can’t take the credit for those genius genes…that’s all his father.

As for my daughter, she’s not so vocal about her day.  It’s like pulling teeth to get out of her what went on for the last 6+ hours of her life.  So, even though she’s naturally very reserved, as long as she’s smiling, I take that as a sign that she’s thriving there.

If there’s one thing none of my kids are quiet about, though, it’s their love of chocolate milk.

I can’t get mad when they request it with their breakfast, because NESTLÉ® NESQUIK® Powder has 45% less sugar than the leading chocolate syrup brand, contains 7 essential vitamins and minerals and has no artificial colors or flavors.  Plus, it gives them 8g of protein when combined with 8 fluid ounces of low-fat milk!  Plus, it’s got a cute bunny to stare at while drinking it!

And you know how I’m a chocolate fanatic (I must’ve passed it on to my kids), so I incorporated our Nesquik into what I believe should be labeled the dessert of the century.  Today’s sweet bread will bring endless praises.  Seriously, bring it to work, dinner with friends, playdates, or give it to the kids’ teachers, and you will be stalked for the recipe!

The Nesquik really enhances the scrumptious chocolatey flavor.  This dessert gets even more moist and delicious the longer it sits.

Adapted heavily from Allrecipes

1 c. butter, softened

1 c. light brown sugar

3/4 c. white sugar
4 large eggs

3 mashed very ripe bananas (or about 1 heaping cup)

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 c. sour cream (full fat)

3 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 c. baking cocoa

1/4 c. Chocolate NESTLÉ® NESQUIK® Powder

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. chocolate chips plus 1/2 c., divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter, brown sugar, white sugar and eggs.  Add mashed bananas, vanilla, and sour cream and mix until incorporated.  In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking cocoa, Nesquik, baking soda, and salt.  Mix until incorporated.  Stir in 1 c. chocolate chips.  Divide mixture evenly between prepared loaf pans and sprinkle the tops with remaining 1/2 c. chocolate chips.  Bake for approximately 50 minutes to one hour, checking at about 50 minutes and every few minutes after that, just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool in pans for about ten minutes before carefully removing to a cooling rack to cool completely.  Wrap in foil when all cool.

I sent a slice with each of the kids in their lunch boxes, and boy were they happy when they saw what awaited them.

I must think we’re a family of monkeys when I purchase bananas, because I seem to buy them in bulk but we never can eat all of them before they start browning.  So this is the perfect way to not let them go to waste!  The bananas lend a wonderful flavor that marries perfectly with the deep chocolate taste.

Is there any woman out there who doesn’t want to hear they’re the “best mom ever” when their kid bites into that slice of chocolate banana flavored heaven? My kids were doting on me for hours after snack time was over.  And I was just soaking it all in.  Because with all the commotion that regularly occurs around here, I will savor those few sweet moments of bliss and triumph. 🙂

And by the way, I want you to take all the credit for today’s dessert.  Just nod your head in agreement when they call you the god or goddess of baking.

I hope your family enjoys this winner treat!

What is your kids’ favorite way to enjoy Nesquik?