Mini Nut & Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Loaves

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These adorable, delicious and bite-size mini nut & chocolate chip banana bread loaves are the perfect gift, snack or week day treat!

Mini banana bread loaves

One thing I love about being in the food industry – the fact that every single day is dedicated to something. Today? Well, if you can infer from my post, it’s National Banana Bread Day. Now, I’m no stranger to this bread, as you see with my coconut blueberry banana bread and my banana nut zucchini muffins, but I thought it was time I made my favorite recipe a little more bite-size.

bananas

Yes, I’m talking mini and NO that food trend isn’t over. At least in my book. I know mini food had its heyday and now people are all “I want larger portions, rustic stuff and all the large bowls!” However, I’m all “gimme little so I can eat far more with less guilt.” I’m pretty sure that’s a mentality more of you, my dear friends, can get on board with.

batter

So, in honor of a ridiculous, albeit delicious, food holiday, I whipped up mini loaves that are so cute you might die. Well, not die, but you get the hint.

mini banana breads

Now, when it came to the filling, we had a small debate here in the Volkman household. My husband is a die-hard chocolate chip fan. His mom has been making banana bread for YEARS, always adding chocolate chips. Whereas I prefer just nuts. [Please infer as you must]. So, as a compromise, I added both.

banana bread loaves

Marriage, am I right? Whatever fillings you prefer, you’re going to love these mini loaves. Bite-size, super soft and moist and the absolute perfect midday snack. Or lunch. Or dinner. I won’t judge either way.

Mini Walnut & Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Loaves

Mini banana bread

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Yields about 8 mini loaves. Adapted from Betty Crocker.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: About 35 minutes
Cool time: About 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 55 minutes

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 organic eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 4 medium)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used a mix of walnuts and almonds)
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • Vanilla bean glaze for garnish (see this recipe)

Directions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8 mini Le Creuset coquettes (or mini loaf pans) with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar and white sugar together until creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the bananas, vanilla bean paste and cream.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour and baking soda together. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture, beating well. Use a spatula to scrape the sides.
  4. Remove bowl from stand and mix in the nuts and chocolate chips.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased pans, smoothing over with the back of a spoon.
  6. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then carefully remove. Place on a wire cooling rack and chill for another hour. Drizzle with vanilla bean glaze and serve with a few added nuts on top.

Mini nutty banana bread

Nutritional information per serving (about 2 slices):

Calories: 115
Fat: 3.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 14 grams
Fiber: >1 gram
Protein: >1 gram
Weight Watchers Points: 2

Make your own mini breads with these multi-use cocettes!

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Comments

  1. Posted by christine on
    Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
    I just want to lick that glaze straight thru my screen! Sounds wonderful and I agree, the mini thing isn't over for me either!
  2. Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
    This looks really good, Claire!
  3. Posted by The Food Hunter on
    Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
    I love them as minis and the little pans are so cute
  4. Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
    How did I now know it was National Banana Bread Day? It's always something and I am usually behind. I sure wish I had these mini loaves. I love anything portion controlled because that means I can have two :)
  5. Wednesday, February 24th, 2016
    There are way too many "food holidays" these days! But these mini loaves are so adorable ... i can almost overlook that. What tasty bread!
  6. Posted by Kim Beaulieu on
    Thursday, February 25th, 2016
    I love banana bread. It reminds me of my mom, she used to make it all the time for us kids. I love your photos.