Banana bread with apples and chocolate

PREPARING

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease a loaf pan (about 20×10 cm) with butter and lightly dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Add the melted butter and mix well.
3. Add the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt, then gently fold in the flour.
4. Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, and dice them into small cubes.
5. Combine the batter: Once the wet and dry ingredients are well combined, add the chopped apples and stir. Then add the chopped dark chocolate and gently fold it in so it’s evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. For extra flair, you can place a few banana or apple slices on top, or sprinkle some chocolate for decoration.
7. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, until the loaf is nicely risen and golden. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.
8. Cool the bread in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely.
9. Pack it in a lunchbox once cooled – feel free to decorate with a few mint leaves. Enjoy!