Luscious Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe for Cozy Mornings
Chocolate and bananas create a delightful dance of flavors in this wholesome healthy chocolate banana bread recipe that will tantalize your taste buds.
Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to every slice.
The rich cocoa powder adds a decadent depth without compromising nutritional value.
Packed with nutrients and subtle indulgence, this bread offers a guilt-free treat for breakfast or snacking.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and fruity warmth.
The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nourishing, satisfying experience.
Bake this bread and savor a slice of delicious wellness that will leave you craving more.
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Reasons to Love This Bake
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:Wet Ingredients:Sweeteners and Seasonings:Binding and Leavening Agents:Mix-Ins:Directions for Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Success
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (180C).
Grab your loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick oil massage to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Banana Smash Technique
Grab those ripe bananas and go wild with a fork, mashing them into a silky smooth puree.
Introduce nut butter and eggs, stirring until they become best friends.
Step 3: Flavor Boost
Sprinkle in:Whisk everything together with enthusiasm for about two minutes until the mixture looks perfectly blended.
Step 4: Dry Ingredient Dance
Toss in:Mix until everything looks harmonious.
Gently fold in chocolate chips for extra decadence.
Step 5: Baking Magic
Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
If you’re feeling extra, scatter more chocolate chips on top.
Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.
Step 6: Patience and Slicing
Let the bread chill in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing into heavenly pieces.
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FAQs
Yes, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter based on your preference or availability.
If using certified gluten-free oat flour, the recipe becomes completely gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to confirm.
Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots, which provide maximum natural sweetness and help create a moist texture.
Replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs, and use a plant-based protein powder if desired to create a vegan version of the bread.
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Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Sweet chocolate meets wholesome banana in this irresistible chocolate banana bread, blending rich cocoa with ripe fruit for a guilt-free indulgence. Packed with nutrition and pure deliciousness, you’ll savor each moist, chocolatey slice that satisfies both health-conscious cravings and dessert dreams.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium ripe bananas (12 ounces/360 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower seed butter)
- 1 1/2 cup (150 grams) oat flour or preferred flour
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) cocoa powder
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/3 cup (70 grams) granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/6 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup (40 grams) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)
High Protein Option:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) protein powder as a replacement for 1/2 cup (50 grams) flour
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (180°C) and ready a 20 cm loaf pan by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing with oil.
- Thoroughly mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate nut butter and eggs into mashed bananas, stirring until the mixture becomes well integrated and creamy.
- Whisk in sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt, blending thoroughly for approximately two minutes to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Gradually fold in oat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, mixing until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
- Gently fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula and optionally sprinkling additional chocolate chips over the surface.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes to stabilize its structure.
- Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing to ensure optimal texture and easy cutting.
Notes
- Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture, so choose overripe bananas with brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
- Swap nut butter with alternative spreads like sunflower seed butter or tahini for nut-free options, maintaining similar consistency and richness.
- Use sugar-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs to reduce sugar content while keeping the chocolatey indulgence for health-conscious bakers.
- Ensure thorough mixing of dry and wet ingredients to prevent flour pockets and create a uniform, moist banana bread with consistent chocolate distribution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez
Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach
Education
Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices
Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.