Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This healthy chocolate banana bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. It combines ripe bananas, cocoa, and nut butter for a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, it’s easy to make with wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with oil.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Stir in the nut butter and eggs until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk the mixture for about two minutes until fully blended and smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in the oat flour (or a combination of oat flour and protein powder), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and sweetness.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer the bread to a wire rack or plate to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
• Swap oat flour with whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour if preferred.
• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
• If using protein powder, reduce the oat flour by the same amount to maintain the right consistency.
• Make it vegan by replacing eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Storage

Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast lightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid a runny batter.

What can I substitute for protein powder?

If you prefer not to use protein powder, simply replace it with an equal amount of oat flour or your preferred flour.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 70 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a moist, delicious treat that combines ripe bananas with rich cocoa and chocolate chips for a guilt-free indulgence. Using wholesome ingredients like oat flour and optional protein powder, it’s perfect for a nutritious snack or breakfast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 3 medium ripe bananas (about 12 oz / 360 g total)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (60 g) nut butter (almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• ⅓ cup (70 g) granular sweetener (monk fruit or brown sugar)
• ⅙ tsp sea salt
• 1 ½ cup (150 g) oat flour (or preferred flour)
• ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips
• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (optional replacement for ½ cup (50 g) flour)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with oil.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the three ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Then stir in the nut butter and eggs thoroughly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the banana mixture. Whisk or stir vigorously for about two minutes until the wet ingredients are fully combined and slightly fluffy.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oat flour (or a combination of oat flour and protein powder if using), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until just combined, then gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Protein powder replacement: You can substitute ½ cup (50 g) of oat flour with protein powder to increase the protein content.
• Flour options: While oat flour is recommended, other flours like whole wheat or gluten-free blends can be used.
• Sweetener variations: Monk fruit sweetener offers a lower-calorie option compared to brown sugar.
• Storage: Store the banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast / Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Healthy banana bread, chocolate banana bread, oat flour banana bread, easy banana bread recipe, low sugar banana bread