The Freshman Cook: Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread

Every couple months I try to send a little care package to my former neighbor in Utah. He loves getting small loaves of bread that he can eat a little bit at a time, so I included this Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread! He is the best neighbor we have ever had, and the sweetest man I have ever met, and my family misses him dearly. He is making plans to visit us here in North Carolina, and we are eagerly anticipating his visit. In the meantime I want to make sure he has his full allotment of treats, and I think this Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread will satisfy that craving! Chocolate Cherry Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups Fresh Cherries

1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 1/2 cup Flour
1/2 cup unsweet Cocoa
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 cups ripe, mashed Bananas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pit your cherries. Slice them into quarters pieces, then set aside.
Beat together your sugar, eggs, and oil.
Add vanilla.
Place your flour, cocoa, and baking soda in a bowl
and whisk together until fully mixed.
Add to bowl with egg mix and beat on low speed.
The batter will get thick.
Stir in your bananas and cherries.
I used these disposable paper pans because I am mailing
these, but you can certainly use a loaf pan.
If you do, make sure to spray the inside with
vegetable spray before pouring the batter in.
Bake 20-25 minutes in the small pan, or
60-70 minutes in a loaf size pan.
Make sure to check with a toothpick.
Let it cool and remove from loaf pan.
The bread turns out really moist and the cherries add a nice bite.
Thanks for joining me today!