Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Craving a guilt-free indulgence that won’t wreck your healthy eating goals? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread. Picture this: a rich, chocolatey treat that rivals your favorite cake but without the guilt or the post-dessert crash. It’s the kind of recipe that sneaks in some nutrition while satisfying your sweet tooth – a win-win in my book.

I stumbled upon this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread during one of my “I should probably eat healthier” phases, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Packed with ripe bananas, nut butter, and a generous dose of cocoa powder, this bread is a decadent delight that’s surprisingly good for you. The first time I made it, I was skeptical – can a healthy dessert actually taste good? But one bite of this moist, chocolatey goodness, and I was sold. It’s so good that even the pickiest eaters, like my sister’s nugget-loving kiddo, can’t get enough. Trust me, this recipe is a winner.

Quick Benefits

• Indulgent Taste, Healthier Ingredients: Satisfies chocolate cravings with rich, cake-like flavor while being oil-free, gluten-free, and made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, nut butter, and oat flour.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love it – a great way to sneak in some nutrition for the little ones without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with variations like protein powder, different mix-ins (cinnamon, cayenne, raspberries, nuts), making it suitable for different preferences and occasions.
• Convenient and Long-Lasting: Can be stored for several days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge, and individual slices can be frozen for quick, on-demand indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe Recipe

• Decadent and Delicious: Satisfies chocolate cravings with rich chocolate cake-level deliciousness. Perfect for those looking for a healthier dessert option without compromising on taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas, nut butter, oat flour, and protein powder, making it a guilt-free treat.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love it! Testimonials from a 7-year-old who couldn’t get enough and kept raving about the chocolate bread.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and forgiving recipe allow for customization and adaptation based on personal preferences and ingredient availability.
• Versatile: Add your twist with optional mix-ins like raspberries, walnuts, or spices for unique flavor variations.
• Convenient and Time-Saving: Can be enjoyed fresh or stored for days. Freeze slices for a quick and satisfying treat on busy days.
• Foolproof and Flexible: Forgiving recipe that allows for creative substitutions and adaptations, making it easy to whip up even when multitasking or in a rush.

Ingredients for Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

For the Bread

• ⅙ tsp sea salt
• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz/360 g in total)
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (monk fruit, or brown sugar)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower seed butter)
• 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour or preferred flour

High Protein Option

• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder as a replacement for ½ cup (50 g) flour (see notes)

How to Make Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare oven and pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing with oil.

Step 2: Prepare wet ingredients

Mash three ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in nut butter and eggs until fully combined.

Step 3: Add sweetener and flavorings

Combine granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt with the banana mixture. Stir using a whisk or fork for approximately two minutes, until fully mixed.

Step 4: Add dry ingredients

Combine oat flour (or oat flour + protein powder), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until well combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and optionally add extra chocolate chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and slice

Take out of the oven and allow to cool in the loaf pan for approximately 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve baked the healthy chocolate banana bread, you can store it in an airtight container on the counter for a few days. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge where it can stay fresh for about a week. For extended storage, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces. When you’re craving a sweet treat, simply microwave a frozen slice for about 20 seconds to enjoy a warm, chocolatey delight. This method allows you to enjoy the bread over a more extended period and ensures that it stays moist and delicious.

The versatility of this chocolate banana bread makes it a perfect option for various occasions. You can serve it at brunches by cutting it into small squares for easy sharing. Adding different ingredients like cinnamon, cayenne, raspberries, chopped walnuts, or even substituting flour with protein powder can provide exciting flavor variations. Remember that improvisation can lead to unique and delightful outcomes, so feel free to experiment with the recipe. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on-the-go or presented elegantly at gatherings, this healthy chocolate banana bread is sure to impress with its rich, decadent taste and nutritious profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this healthy chocolate banana bread recipe, you can experiment with different nut butters based on your preference or what you have on hand. Almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can be interchanged without significantly altering the final taste and texture of the bread.

If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can substitute it with your preferred flour such as all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that using a different flour may slightly affect the texture and taste of the bread, but it will still turn out delicious. Additionally, if you prefer to skip the protein powder or don’t have it available, you can stick to using the full amount of flour in the recipe or consider adding a different dry ingredient like ground flaxseed or almond meal for added nutritional value and texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try toasting slices of this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread and topping them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter. The warm, slightly crispy exterior contrasting with the creamy topping creates a delightful texture and flavor combination.

Another fun idea is to turn this chocolate banana bread into a dessert parfait. Crumble the bread into small pieces and layer it in a glass with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. The layers of sweet, tangy, and chocolaty elements make for a visually appealing and delicious treat that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence.

FAQs for Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Question?

How can I tell if the chocolate banana bread is done baking?

Question?

Can I use a different type of nut butter in this recipe?

Question?

Can I substitute the granular sweetener with a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup?

Question?

How should I store the chocolate banana bread to keep it fresh?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is not just a recipe, it’s a game-changer. The perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and decadent chocolatey goodness, this bread has the power to convert even the pickiest eaters into devoted fans. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a guilt-free dessert option.

So go ahead, give this Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread recipe a try and see for yourself how something so indulgent can also be so good for you. Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or get creative with your own unique twists, one thing is for sure – this bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Embrace the joy of baking something delicious and nourishing, all in one loaf. Happy baking!

Nutritious Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Indulge guilt-free in this rich, oil-free, gluten-free Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread that satisfies your chocolate cravings without compromising on nutrition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineGluten-free, Oil-free

Skill LevelEasy

Servings12 Servings (12 slices)

Ingredients

For the Bread

• ⅙ tsp sea salt
• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz/360 g in total)
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips, plus extra for topping (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (monk fruit, or brown sugar)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew or sunflower seed butter)
• 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour or preferred flour

High Protein Option

• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder as a replacement for ½ cup (50 g) flour (see notes)

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing with oil.
2. Prepare wet ingredients: Mash three ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in nut butter and eggs until fully combined.
3. Add sweetener and flavorings: Combine granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt with the banana mixture. Stir using a whisk or fork for approximately two minutes, until fully mixed.
4. Add dry ingredients: Combine oat flour (or oat flour + protein powder), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until well combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and optionally add extra chocolate chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and slice: Take out of the oven and allow to cool in the loaf pan for approximately 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.