Chocolate Crunch Banana Bread with Milk Chocolate Glaze
A decadent twist on classic banana bread featuring crunchy chocolate candy pieces baked right into the tender, moist loaf. The addition of Nestle Buncha Crunch Bites creates delightful textural contrast, while a rich milk chocolate glaze with clarified butter adds an elegant finishing touch. Perfect for weekend baking, special occasions, or when you want to transform overripe bananas into something extraordinary. The combination of sweet bananas and chocolate crunch makes this an instant crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between quick bread and dessert.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
May need extra moisture
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup Nestle Buncha Crunch Bitesmini chocolate chips1:1dietary
Use same amount, different texture
- 6 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 TBSP unsalted butter
- Buncha Crunch Bites, for garnish(optional)mini chocolate chips1:1dietary
Use same amount, different texture
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 F
- 2
Cream together butter and both sugars using stand mixer with paddle attachment
- 3
Add eggs and beat well
- 4
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder
- 5
Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture and mix until just combined
- 6
Stir in mashed bananas and Buncha Crunch bites
- 7
Pour into well-greased and lightly floured 9x5x3 inch pan
- 8
Bake for about 50 minutes or until done
- 9
Let sit for 5 minutes then remove from pan
- 10
Cool on wire rack while preparing glaze
- 11
Break chocolate into small pieces and place in stainless steel bowl over hot water
- 12
Melt butter in small saucepan and skim off white foam
- 13
When chocolate is melted, whisk in clarified butter
- 14
Pour glaze over cooled banana bread
- 15
Sprinkle with additional Buncha Crunch bites if desired
- 16
Let glaze set for about 1 hour or refrigerate to speed setting
Tips
Skim the white foam from melted butter to create clarified butter for a smoother, more professional glaze that won't separate.
Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture in the finished bread.
Don't overmix the batter once flour is added - mix just until ingredients come together to prevent tough bread.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead - add glaze just before serving for best appearance
Serve at room temperature, slice with sharp knife to avoid crushing candy pieces
Common Mistakes
Grease and flour pan thoroughly to prevent sticking with the chocolate pieces
Don't let water touch chocolate when melting to avoid seizing
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
May need extra moisture
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without the candy pieces?
Yes, substitute with chocolate chips or chopped nuts for similar texture contrast.
How long will the glazed bread keep?
Best consumed within 2-3 days as glaze may lose its shine over time.
Can I freeze this banana bread?
Freeze unglazed bread up to 3 months, then thaw and add fresh glaze before serving.