Ultra soft banana bread with espresso, dark chocolate and a salted caramel swirl. All the flavors of your favorite cold weather beverage turned into your new favorite banana bread.
So I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it, but I have this teeny, tiny, huge, ridiculous obsession with salted desserts. It all started when Starbucks first released their salted caramel mocha. I turned my nose up, and asked the barista if that was even good. She must have been really convincing because I wasn’t one for trying new things back then, but for some reason I gave it a shot. That was a big mistake.
I’m pretty sure I ended up drinking at least one daily for that entire winter. Ya know that whole balance/self control thing? I don’t really have it. This year I rediscovered Bahama Bucks, and all of the sudden I was going multiple times per week. I am the biggest weakling when it comes to my sweet tooth.
As much as I love dessert, I love the bite and depth of flavor that adding a little salt brings. I don’t love things that are too sweet. Steve drinks his coffee with like 700 sweet ‘n lows (also…really? Why would anyone choose the pink packets???) in his coffee and it always grosses me out! You also won’t find me digging into those loft house sugar cookies that taste like they are made entirely of frosting. I like my dessert with a little attitude.
I must not be alone because this is one of the most popular desserts I have ever made. I brought the leftovers into work and it disappeared in minutes. Everyone kept raving about it and asking for the recipe! So soft, tender and decadent, this will be your go-to snack for to make for your out of town guests this whole holiday season!
Ultra soft banana bread with espresso, dark chocolate and a salted caramel swirl. All the flavors of your favorite cold weather beverage turned into your new favorite banana bread.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free baking blend (or white whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (preferably Dutch process)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 extra ripe medium bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup reduced fat buttermilk*
- 1/2 cup fleur de sel caramel sauce* (+ more for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x5" loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together baking blend, cocoa powder, cornstarch, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together bananas, applesauce, sugars and vanilla until well combined. Stir in half the flour mixture, then buttermilk, then remaining flour mixture.
- Transfer half the batter to prepared loaf pan. Pour caramel sauce on top, then add remaining batter. Use a butter knife to gently swirl caramel into the batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few crumbs, about one hour. Set loaf pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Serve drizzled with extra fleur de sel caramel sauce, if desired. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
*To make vegan, replace buttermilk with 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and use a vegan salted caramel sauce.
Wow, this sounds so good! I’m actually a fairly recent coffee convert so I’m on the hunt for all the best coffee desserts–this one has now jumped to the top of the list! Also, I totally love that TJ’s caramel sauce. 🙂
Elizabeth @ SugarHero.com recently posted…Clemen-Thyme Chocolate Chunk Cookies
I am honestly at a loss for words. You managed to combine all my favorite things (chocolate, caramel, mocha} and make it into banana bread. I need a “healthy” dessert bread to go with my midnight chocolate cravings and this is SO happening.
Selena @ thenutritiouskitchen.com recently posted…Creamy Coconut & Veggie Brown Rice Pilaf with Honey Roasted Pecans
Omg! Drool 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…I Mustache You Some Questions
OMG! i just bought salted caramel ice cream the other day so this would go peeeeeeerfectly!!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…7 month old baby William
I was in heaven the first time I had a salted caramel GU. It’s my favorite thing ever! Salted caramel NOT GU!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…A Kinder Kind of Egg with Nellie’s
This has everything delicious rolled into one recipe, haha! I’ve been ordering salted caramel mochas at Starbucks, so this is totally up my alley! Thanks for sharing!
Joanna @Makingmine recently posted…First Trimester Commandments
Oh. My. I just had a salted caramel pie paired with holiday roast coffee at a foodie tasting event on Friday, so I am all set and ready if you want to send one of these my way!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Holiday Survival: Perfect 5-Ingredient Recipe
I’ve never really baked or used caramel in anything. Might have to give it a go 🙂
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted…Cakey Chocolate Chip Brownies
i die… i’ve been sick, and no food looks good. BUT this makes me drool!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Daddy Day Care