Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This healthy chocolate banana bread is an indulgent yet guilt-free treat, combining rich chocolate flavor with the natural sweetness of bananas. It’s oil-free, gluten-free, and has no added sugar, making it a perfect snack or dessert for anyone looking for a nutritious option. The oats and protein-packed ingredients provide extra nourishment, while the cocoa and bananas ensure the bread stays moist and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option or a delightful dessert, this banana bread is a winner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or a combination of oat flour and protein powder)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup granular sweetener (e.g., monk fruit, erythritol)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (preferably sugar-free or dark)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 7.9-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter or oil.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the nut butter and eggs, followed by the sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add the oat flour (or flour-protein mixture), cocoa powder, and baking powder. Stir until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with extra chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 1/2 tbsp water per egg). Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- High Protein: Add up to 1/2 cup of protein powder in place of some oat flour for an added protein boost.
- Low Carb: Substitute oat flour with almond flour and use a keto-friendly sweetener.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour or whole wheat flour as alternatives to oat flour.
Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or fruit?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or blueberries are great additions.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe uses oat flour, which is gluten-free, but make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Can I use regular sugar instead of a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can replace the sugar substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar, though this will make the recipe no longer sugar-free.
How do I know when the bread is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Can I freeze this chocolate banana bread?
Yes, you can freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Can I make this bread without protein powder?
Yes, protein powder is optional. The bread will still turn out delicious without it.
What’s the best way to mash the bananas?
Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth, ensuring there are no large lumps.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, simply reduce the amount of sweetener used or rely solely on the natural sweetness of the bananas.
Conclusion
This healthy chocolate banana bread combines the best of flavor and nutrition in one bite. With its moist texture, rich chocolate taste, and wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion. Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast or a satisfying dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe
This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a moist, oil-free, and gluten-free treat made with simple ingredients like ripe bananas, oat flour, and nut butter. Perfect for a guilt-free breakfast or dessert, it’s naturally sweetened with bananas and a sugar-free sweetener, offering a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Bananas (ripe)
- Eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- Nut butter (almond, peanut, etc.)
- Oat flour (or almond flour)
- Cocoa powder
- Granular sweetener (monk fruit or erythritol)
- Baking powder
- Chocolate chips (sugar-free)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas and mix with eggs, nut butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 30-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for sweetness and moisture.
- For a protein boost, add protein powder.
- Let the bread cool overnight for better flavor and texture.
