Banana Bread with Chocolate Glaze

If I could, I would drizzle everything with chocolate. Months ago at a local cafe I saw a huge loaf of banana bread that had been generously drizzled with chocolate behind the bakery counter. Instantly, I added the bread to my mental list of recipes to make. Then I proceeded to forget all about it a few days later.

That was until I saw a recipe for banana bread with chocolate glaze in a magazine. I was reminded of how glorious that loaf had looked behind the shiny glass display and knew I had to make it. So bananas went on my grocery list and then on my counter where I pretty much willed them to ripen. Finally, days later, I threw this banana bread together. It made my whole house smell better than any candle. That night I enjoyed not one, but two magnificent slices before packing for Blogher Food. It's a small tragedy that I had to give the rest of the loaf away since I was heading out of town. 

I miss you, banana bread. We shall meet again.

Note: when I photographed this recipe I hadn't sifted the sugar and cocoa for the chocolate glaze, hence the lumps. I proceeded to alter the recipe to produce a more smooth and beautiful glaze. Sifted or not, it's still scrumptious!

Recipe Rundown
Taste: Satisfying depth of spicy-sweet flavors accentuated by the rich chocolate glaze.   
Texture: Moist, rich, with a smooth, firm chocolate glaze.
Ease: Both the batter and glaze are super easy to throw together.
Appearance: The chocolate glaze looks absolutely mouth-watering.
Pros: Easy and perfectly delicious.
Cons: Indulgent banana bread recipe.
Would I make this again? Yes! This would make a fabulous homemade gift. 

Banana Bread with Chocolate Glaze

Adapted from Food Network Magazine

Makes one 9x5-inch loaf

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted & cooled
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Chocolate glaze (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a medium bowl whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, butter, yogurt, and vanilla until combined. Fold banana mixture into flour mixture until just combined.

Bake for 55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes in pan, then turn out onto rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Glaze

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• pinch salt

Sift sugar and cocoa into a small bowl. Whisk in milk, vanilla, and salt all until smooth. Pour onto cooled bread and let set, 15-20 minutes.