Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

This might be the richest chocolate banana bread you’ve ever tasted, thanks to the unexpected twist of candied bacon that adds the perfect sweet-savory crunch. Trust me, this Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe will quickly become a conversation starter at your next brunch or coffee break.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients & Why They Work
• Make It Your Way
• Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe
• Top Tip
• How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Final Thoughts
• Delicious Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients quickly because understanding their roles is key to this bread's success. The bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while peanut butter and sour cream ensure it stays soft and rich. Chocolate chips add melty pockets of delight, and the candied bacon? That’s the magic touch adding crunch and a salty finish.

• Bacon: Use thick-cut if possible—renders nicely and holds up well for candied pieces.
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes essential for that candied bacon glaze and the bread's sweetness.
• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Coating them with flour helps prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Mashed bananas: Don't skimp here—overripe bananas are best for full flavor and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness without overpowering the banana flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender while letting other flavors shine.
• Full-fat sour cream: A secret weapon for richness and tender crumb.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds depth and a bit of nuttiness without being overwhelming.
• Eggs: Help with structure and richness—make sure they’re at room temp for best mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Powdered sugar and honey (for glaze): Whisked with peanut butter to create a glossy, sweet finish.

Make It Your Way

I love encouraging a little creativity with this recipe! For instance, sometimes I swap the peanut butter glaze for a simple cream cheese frosting if I want a tangier finish, or I swap bacon for smoked almonds for a vegetarian spin.

• Variation: I once added chopped walnuts right alongside the chocolate chips for extra crunch, which was a hit at a family gathering.
• Dietary Swap: For gluten-free needs, using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well—the texture stays rich and moist.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sugar, reduce granulated sugar by a quarter cup—still delicious but less sweet.
• Add-ins: Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder amplifies the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Candying the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon slowly over low heat. This step is key because you want to render out as much fat as possible without burning it. Once cooked, drain the grease, then toss the bacon back in with brown sugar evenly coated. Keeping the heat low, cook until the sugar melts and creates a sticky caramel coating around each slice—about 5 to 6 minutes. Let the bacon cool completely on a plate; it’ll crisp up and be ready to chop into perfect candied chunks for topping later. This bit gives the bread its signature flair.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x5 loaf pan with baking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper—this makes removing the bread a breeze. In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour (reserve 1 tablespoon for the chocolate chips), baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even leavening and no salty pockets from baking soda.

Step 3: Prep Chocolate Chips and Wet Mixture

Toss your chocolate chips with the reserved tablespoon of flour—this keeps them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Next, in another large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. You’ll notice the batter thick and luscious—perfect for the tender crumb we want.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently mix your dry ingredients into the wet. Don’t overdo it—stir just until no more flour streaks remain. Then fold in the chocolate chips carefully so they stay evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes—start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick. You want it to come out clean-ish with a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter).

Step 5: Cooling and Glazing

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, whisk together peanut butter, honey, and powdered sugar for that glossy glaze. Pour it evenly over the loaf, then scatter your candied bacon and a few extra chocolate chips on top. Slice, serve, and let the magic unfold.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple: a drizzle of extra glaze, a sprinkle of chopped candied bacon, and a few chocolate chips right on top. Sometimes, a little flaky sea salt enhances that sweet-salty vibe perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side won’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy chai latte—those warm spice notes complement the peanut butter and banana beautifully. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside fresh berries or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to contrast the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I slice the bread into bite-size squares, top each with a tiny dollop of glaze and a candied bacon chunk, then serve on a nice platter. I’ve even layered slices with cream cheese and fresh banana for a decadent bread sandwich—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 3 days that way. I usually keep mine in the fridge if I want it to last longer—up to a week—and it still tastes amazing.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. I find freezing doesn’t compromise the bread’s moist texture or the candied bacon’s flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the toaster oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. If you don’t have a toaster oven, gently warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works too—just avoid overheating to keep the peanut butter glaze from melting off.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Bread with Candied Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it manages to take a humble loaf and turn it into something wildly memorable. The playful mix of textures and flavors always impresses, whether it’s a casual morning or a festive gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it out—and hear how your friends and family react when that first candied bacon crunch hits their bite.

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