Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite with this Red Velvet Banana Bread recipe! Combining the rich, decadent flavors of red velvet with the comforting sweetness of banana bread, this unique treat is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Using those overripe, spotty bananas that are often overlooked, this recipe transforms them into a moist and flavorful bread that will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery. The addition of cocoa powder provides a subtle hint of chocolate, while the tanginess of buttermilk and the vibrant red hue from food coloring elevate this bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.

If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, don’t forget to toss in some chocolate chips for that extra touch of decadence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Red Velvet Banana Bread is a must-try recipe that will surely impress your taste buds and loved ones.

Quick Benefits

• Uses spotty bananas for natural sweetness and moisture
• Includes cocoa powder for a hint of chocolate
• Buttermilk adds tanginess and creates a tender crumb
• Optional chocolate chips elevate the bread to unforgettable levels

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe Recipe

• Innovative Flavor Combination: Red Velvet Banana Bread is a creative twist on the classic banana bread, combining the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet with the sweetness of bananas.
• Moisture and Sweetness: The spotty bananas not only provide natural sweetness but also incredible moisture to the bread, ensuring a soft and tender texture.
• Chocolatey Indulgence: The addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips brings a delightful hint of chocolate to the bread, making it a perfect treat for chocolate lovers.
• Tangy and Tender: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor to the bread while helping to create a tender crumb, adding a depth of flavor and texture.
• Visual Appeal: The vibrant red color from the food coloring creates a visually stunning bread that is sure to impress and stand out on any table.
• Customizable: You can personalize this recipe by adjusting the amount of chocolate chips or adding nuts or a cream cheese swirl to make it your own unique creation.

Ingredients for Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe

• Cocoa powder gives that hint of chocolate that defines red velvet. I use regular unsweetened cocoa (not Dutch-processed) for best results.
• Spotty bananas provide natural sweetness and incredible moisture. Those ugly ones that nobody wants to eat are perfect here – the darker the better for baking.
• Red food coloring creates that wow factor. I prefer gel food coloring since it’s more concentrated and doesn’t water down the batter.
• Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended. Those pockets of melty chocolate take this from good to unforgettable.
• Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. No buttermilk? Add half a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

Combine mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl and whisk until well mixed.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition, being cautious not to overmix.

Step 5: Add food coloring and chocolate chips

Mix in red food coloring until batter is evenly colored and vibrant red. Add additional food coloring as necessary for a deep red hue. Gently fold in chocolate chips if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the delicious Red Velvet Banana Bread, it is important to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. To store the finished dish, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. You can also place the wrapped bread in an airtight container for added protection.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the Red Velvet Banana Bread. Place the wrapped or containerized bread in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before serving, allow the bread to come to room temperature or gently warm it in the oven to enhance its taste and texture. If you prefer to freeze the banana bread, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The bread can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying it. Remember to slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning and serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have any spotty bananas on hand, you can use ripe bananas instead. While spotty bananas provide extra sweetness and moisture, ripe bananas will still work well in this recipe. Just make sure they are soft and easy to mash.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding half a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This will mimic the tanginess and tenderizing effect that buttermilk provides in the banana bread.

If you prefer to avoid using artificial food coloring or don’t have any on hand, you can skip the red food coloring altogether. The flavor of the banana bread will remain delicious without it. If you still want a pop of color, you can try adding natural alternatives like beetroot powder or pureed raspberries for a red hue.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and visually stunning way to serve this Red Velvet Banana Bread, try slicing it into thick pieces and toasting them lightly. Then, top each slice with a dollop of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.

Another creative serving idea for this Red Velvet Banana Bread is to cut it into cubes and skewer them on toothpicks for easy-to-eat individual portions. Drizzle a creamy chocolate ganache over the skewers and serve them as a bite-sized party snack or sweet appetizer that will surely impress your guests.

FAQs for Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed. It will still give the red velvet banana bread that hint of chocolate flavor.

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk in this recipe?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding half a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will provide the tanginess needed for the recipe.

Do I have to add red food coloring to the banana bread?

No, the red food coloring is mainly for the visual appeal and the traditional red velvet look. If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can omit it without affecting the taste of the bread.

Are the chocolate chips necessary for this recipe?

No, the chocolate chips are optional in this recipe. They add an extra level of indulgence and richness to the banana bread, but you can still make a delicious loaf without them if you prefer.

Conclusion

As you take your Red Velvet Banana Bread out of the oven, the irresistible aroma of chocolate and bananas fills your kitchen, promising a delightful treat ahead. The rich red color and moist texture are a testament to the delicious blend of ingredients that make this recipe a standout.

I hope you enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this Red Velvet Banana Bread as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings or enjoy it simply as is. Share this recipe with loved ones and let the joy of baking bring warmth to your home. Until next time, happy baking and indulging in the delightful flavors of Red Velvet Banana Bread!

Decadent Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of red velvet charm and banana bread comfort with a moist, chocolate-infused treat that’s unforgettable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time55 Minutes

Total Time70 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (1 loaf)

Ingredients

• Cocoa powder gives that hint of chocolate that defines red velvet. I use regular unsweetened cocoa (not Dutch-processed) for best results.
• Spotty bananas provide natural sweetness and incredible moisture. Those ugly ones that nobody wants to eat are perfect here – the darker the better for baking.
• Red food coloring creates that wow factor. I prefer gel food coloring since it’s more concentrated and doesn’t water down the batter.
• Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended. Those pockets of melty chocolate take this from good to unforgettable.
• Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. No buttermilk? Add half a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: Combine mashed bananas, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl and whisk until well mixed.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition, being cautious not to overmix.
5. Add food coloring and chocolate chips: Mix in red food coloring until batter is evenly colored and vibrant red. Add additional food coloring as necessary for a deep red hue. Gently fold in chocolate chips if desired.
6. Bake: Transfer the batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and serve: Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container.