Chocolate Banana Bread
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Chocolate banana bread is that delightful treat that perfectly marries indulgence with nourishment. This recipe is not just rich and chocolatey; it’s surprisingly healthy, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. With ripe bananas, unsweetened cocoa powder, and oat flour, you’ll create a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich loaf that’s naturally sweetened and free from refined sugars. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz/360 g)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)
- ⅓ cup (70 g) monk fruit sweetener (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅙ tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) oat flour (or your preferred flour)
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup (40 g) dark chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper, the better!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the nut butter and eggs until everything is well combined. Then add the sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the oat flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, stirring until fully blended. You want a nice, uniform batter.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the dark chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top if desired. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Then slice and indulge!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 141.8 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 slices
Why This Chocolate Banana Bread Is a Must-Try
You might be wondering, what makes this chocolate banana bread so special? Let’s break it down:
- Naturally Sweetened:
Ripe bananas not only sweeten the bread naturally but also add a luscious texture. By using ripe bananas, you can skip refined sugars and keep the loaf moist and tender. Plus, a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol can further cut down on sugar. - Whole-Grain or Gluten-Free Flour:
This recipe uses oat flour, which is gluten-free and packed with fiber, enhancing the nutritional profile while keeping the texture light and fluffy. - Oil-Free and Butter-Free:
Instead of oil or butter, this recipe relies on nut butter for richness and healthy fats. Almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter adds delightful nuttiness without the excess saturated fats. - Packed with Antioxidants:
Cocoa powder is a superfood loaded with antioxidants, iron, and magnesium, making this bread not just delicious but also beneficial for your health. - Protein-Packed Option:
Add protein powder to boost the protein content, making this loaf a fantastic post-workout snack or breakfast option. Chocolate or vanilla protein blends seamlessly with cocoa, enhancing flavor while keeping the bread moist.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Banana Bread
This healthier take on chocolate banana bread comes with numerous benefits:
- Boosts Energy and Satiety:
Bananas provide complex carbohydrates and potassium for sustained energy. The fiber from oat flour helps keep you full longer, reducing those pesky cravings. - Supports Heart Health:
Healthy fats from nut butter help reduce saturated fat intake. Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, known to support heart health and lower bad cholesterol levels. - Improves Digestion:
Oat flour is a great source of dietary fiber, promoting gut health and smooth digestion while preventing bloating. - Rich in Antioxidants:
Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health. - Supports Muscle Recovery:
With added protein powder, this banana bread becomes a great post-workout snack, helping repair and build muscle.
Variations & Customizations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Make It Vegan:
Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips. - Add Nuts or Seeds:
For extra crunch, mix in chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds. - Make It Extra Decadent:
Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top after baking, sprinkle cocoa nibs before baking, or add shredded coconut for extra texture. - Go Low-Carb or Keto:
Swap oat flour for blanched almond flour and use a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol or stevia. - Add More Protein:
Replace up to ½ cup of oat flour with protein powder, opting for chocolate casein or plant-based protein for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate banana bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy it:
- Plain and Warm:
Fresh out of the oven, it’s a flavor explosion! Pair with a cup of coffee or tea. - With Nut Butter:
Spread almond, peanut, or cashew butter on top for an extra creamy touch. - Toasted with Butter:
Lightly toast a slice and top with a dab of butter or a dairy-free alternative. - With Yogurt and Berries:
Serve alongside Greek yogurt and fresh strawberries or blueberries for a balanced breakfast. - As a Dessert:
Drizzle with dark chocolate or serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a healthier treat.
Storage Tips
To keep your chocolate banana bread fresh and delicious for days, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature (Up to 3 Days):
Store in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil, keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. - Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days):
Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container to retain moisture and extend shelf life. - Freezer (Up to 3 Months):
Slice the bread and wrap each slice individually. Store in a ziplock bag and freeze. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes.
Conclusion
This healthy chocolate banana bread is proof that nutritious food can be indulgent! With its rich chocolate flavor, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat for any time of day. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a post-workout delight, this bread will quickly become a household favorite.
With its moist texture, endless customization options, and easy storage, you can whip up a loaf ahead of time and enjoy delicious, healthy chocolate banana bread all week long. So, the next time you find yourself with overripe bananas, skip the usual banana bread and give this chocolatey version a try. You won’t regret it! 🍌🍫✨
