Cannabis-infused Cherry Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, combining the rich, comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the indulgent additions of tart cherries, dark chocolate chips, and a subtle cannabis infusion. This treat offers a balance of sweet, fruity, and slightly bitter notes from the dark chocolate, all while delivering the relaxing or uplifting effects of cannabis, depending on the strain used.
The base of this recipe typically starts with overripe bananas—those brown, spotty ones that are too soft to eat but perfect for baking. Their natural sweetness and moisture create a tender, flavorful loaf. Cherries, whether fresh, frozen, or even maraschino (though fresh or frozen dark cherries pair best with dark chocolate), add a burst of juicy tartness that cuts through the richness. Dark chocolate chips bring a deep, slightly bittersweet complexity, elevating the bread beyond a standard quick bread into something more decadent.
The cannabis component is usually introduced through an infusion, most commonly cannabutter (cannabis-infused butter) or cannabis-infused oil (like coconut or olive oil). The infusion process involves decarboxylating cannabis—heating it to activate the THC or CBD—then blending it into a fat, which carries the compounds into the bread. The amount of cannabis used can be adjusted based on your tolerance and desired potency, but it’s wise to start low (say, swapping half the regular butter or oil with infused) to avoid overdoing it. The earthy, herbal undertone of cannabis can be masked somewhat by the strong flavors of banana, cherry, and chocolate, though a hint might still linger, depending on the strain and infusion strength.
To make it, you’d mash those ripe bananas, mix them with wet ingredients like eggs, sugar (or a natural sweetener like honey), and your cannabis-infused fat, then fold in dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, a pinch of salt, maybe some cinnamon for warmth. Stir in the cherries and dark chocolate chips last, pour the batter into a loaf pan, and bake at around 350°F for 50-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out mostly clean. The result is a moist, fragrant loaf with pockets of melted chocolate and juicy cherry bits, plus that special cannabis kick.
Effects-wise, edibles like this take longer to hit than smoking—usually 30-90 minutes—since the THC is processed through your digestive system, converting into a more potent form (11-hydroxy-THC). The high can last several hours, so patience is key: don’t double up too soon if you don’t feel it right away. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy vibe, and store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container—room temp for a few days, fridge for a week, or freeze it for longer.
This bread is versatile: a breakfast treat, a sneaky snack, or a chill dessert. The combo of flavors feels indulgent yet homey, and the cannabis adds a layer of relaxation or euphoria, making it a fun, creative way to enjoy edibles. Just label it clearly if you’ve got housemates—nobody needs an unexpected high with their morning toast!
