Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread with Chocolate, Hazelnuts and Espresso

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, filling your home with warmth and happiness. Now, picture that bread enhanced with rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and the invigorating kick of espresso. This is the magic of Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread with Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Espresso!

Baking is often seen as a seasonal activity, but this banana bread is perfect for any time of year, whether you’re enjoying it during a leisurely weekend brunch in the fall or savoring a slice with tea on a chilly winter evening. This delightful recipe draws inspiration from the rustic charm of Tuscany, a region known for its rich culinary traditions. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this banana bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.

Why will you love it? The combination of sweet bananas, rich chocolate, and nutty hazelnuts creates a symphony of taste that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for a wonderful treat to share with family and friends.

Why You Will Love This Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread Recipe

This Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread with Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Espresso stands out for several reasons:

• Easy: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can whip up this bread with confidence.
• Quick: Once you gather all your ingredients, you can have this bread baking in less than 20 minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses common ingredients, making it a cost-effective option for a delicious treat.
• Family Favorite: The flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a perfect snack for everyone.
• Health Benefits: While it’s a treat, this banana bread incorporates nutritious ingredients like bananas, hazelnuts, and yogurt, providing dietary fiber and healthy fats.

What truly makes this Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread unique is the combination of espresso and hazelnuts. This delightful twist elevates the flavor profile and takes the humble banana bread to a whole new level!

Ingredients Needed for Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

To make this delicious Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup almond flour
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 3–4 ripe bananas (about 3 large or 4 smaller), mashed
• 1 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely chopped (skin removed)
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 5 ounces plain or vanilla thick yogurt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso
• 1 package Lievito per dolce (or 1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons almond milk

Possible Substitutes

• Flour: You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the unbleached flour if desired.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar can be swapped for brown sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
• Butter: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a vegan option.
• Yogurt: Unsweetened applesauce can be a suitable alternative if you want to lower fat content.
• Chocolate: Feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate if preferred.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

Now let’s dive into the easy-to-follow steps to create your Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread:

1. Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven warms up, you can prepare your loaf pan.

2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Butter a 9” x 5” loaf pan. Dust it with a mixture of 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for a sweet touch.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the unbleached flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and instant espresso. Set aside.

4. Beat the Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until firm white peaks form. Place the bowl in the fridge to keep them cool until needed.

5. Mash the Bananas: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher. Set this bowl aside, too.

6. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter and brown sugar for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the two egg yolks and mix for another minute. Then, stir in the yogurt until well blended.

7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the mashed bananas into the wet mixture using a spatula.

8. Incorporate the Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding the mixture together gently. Be mindful not to overmix!

9. Add Egg Whites and Add-ins: Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, followed by the chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate. The key is to maintain the airy texture, so be gentle!

10. Transfer to Loaf Pan: Using a rubber spatula, pour the banana bread mixture into the prepared baking loaf. Drizzle a bit of sugar and cinnamon on top and optionally decorate with banana slices.

11. Bake: Place the loaf pan on the center rack of your oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. Keep an eye on it—ovens can vary. Test the center with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.

12. Cool and Serve: Remove the banana bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan. Once cool, turn it upside down and remove from the pan onto a cutting board or platter.

Optional Mascarpone Glaze:

• For an extra treat, make a mascarpone glaze by mixing together 1/2 cup softened mascarpone cheese, 1 teaspoon vanilla, a pinch of powdered sugar, and a few tablespoons of almond milk until you achieve a pourable consistency. Drizzle this over the cooled banana bread before serving!

Extra Cooking Tips

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your banana bread will be.
• Toast Hazelnuts: Lightly toasting the hazelnuts can enhance their flavor.
• Mix-in Ideas: You can add dried fruits like cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

• Mistakes to Avoid: Be cautious not to overmix your batter, as it can lead to a dense texture rather than the light and fluffy finish you desire.
• Extra Cooking/Baking Hacks: For easy clean-up, line your loaf pan with parchment paper before adding the batter.
• Time-Saving Tricks: Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, especially for flour, to ensure consistent results.

How to Serve Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread is versatile and can be served on various occasions:

• Breakfast Delight: Start your day with a slice alongside coffee or tea.
• Dessert Treat: Serve it as a sweet treat after dinner, paired with dessert wine.
• Picnic Snack: Slice it up and take it along on picnics or outdoor adventures.

Drinks or Side Dishes that Match Well

This banana bread tastes incredible with:

• Creamy cappuccino or latte
• A refreshing glass of milk or almond milk
• Fresh fruits, like berries or a side of yogurt

How to Store Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

1. Counter Storage: Keep the banana bread wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
2. Fridge Storage: Refrigerate it to extend its freshness for about a week.
3. Freezer Storage: For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces. Simply seal them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your banana bread warm, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds, or reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (176°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Variations of Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

Explore these fun variations to personalize your banana bread:

• Flavor Swaps: Try using different flavored yogurts, such as strawberry or vanilla, to change up the taste.
• Ingredient Substitutions: Swap out hazelnuts for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Seasonal Twists: Incorporate pumpkin spice for a fall twist or add fresh berries in the summer.

FAQs About Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

• Can I freeze Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread?
  Yes! Individual slices freeze well in airtight bags for up to 3 months.

• Can I make Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can bake it the day before and keep it stored in the fridge overnight for the flavors to meld.

• What can I use instead of almond flour?
  Substitute regular all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

• Can I omit the chocolate?
  Yes, simply leave it out, and add more hazelnuts or spices, if desired.

• How can I make this banana bread healthier?
  Consider reducing the sugar, using whole wheat flour, or substituting applesauce for butter.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

• Using Non-Ripe Bananas: Unripe bananas won’t provide the same sweetness and flavor.
• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough texture; always mix gently.
• Not Measuring Accurately: Use a scale for precision in your ingredients, especially when it comes to flour.

Nutritional Information of Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

While specific nutritional values can vary, a typical slice (about 1/12 of the loaf) might provide:

• Calories: ~220
• Protein: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~10g

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well With Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread

• Try serving it alongside an espresso or cappuccino for a delightful breakfast, or pair it with a fresh fruit compote for dessert.

Conclusion

This Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread with Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Espresso is not just a treat; it’s a way to gather family and friends in your kitchen. Its combination of flavors and delightful textures makes it a versatile option suitable for any occasion.

Try this Rustic Tuscan Banana Bread today and share it with family and friends! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!