Crowd-Pleasing Brunch Recipes You Can Make in a Loaf Pan

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Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Bread

This indulgent twist on classic banana bread brings a little extra joy to the table. Ripe bananas keep it super moist, while rich chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts add deep flavor and crunch in every bite. This loaf is sweet, nutty, and rich without being too heavy—a beautiful brunch option that doubles as dessert. 

Ingredients (for 1 loaf):

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chips
• Optional: a handful of extra chocolate chunks for the top

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, stir together mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
3. Sprinkle in flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix.
4. Gently fold in chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chunks.
5. Transfer batter to loaf pan and top with more hazelnuts and chocolate, if using. Bake 50–60 min. or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Let cool in the pan 10 min. then transfer to a rack to finish cooling before slicing.