Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This healthy chocolate banana bread combines ripe bananas and rich cocoa for a moist and flavorful treat. It’s naturally sweetened, packed with protein, and perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack.

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; replaces half of the oat flour, see notes)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with oil.
2. Mash bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir the nut butter and eggs into the mashed bananas until well combined.
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 all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Add dry ingredients: Stir in the oat flour (or oat flour combined with protein powder), 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. If desired, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top. Bake 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 to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, replace half the oat flour with protein powder, but be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
• Use different nut butters to vary the flavor, such as almond or cashew.
• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for additional texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sweetener slightly or add a drizzle of honey on top after baking.

Storage

Store leftover banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour in the same quantity, but oat flour adds a nice texture and nutritional boost that complements the bananas.

Is the protein powder necessary?

No, protein powder is optional. It replaces half of the oat flour and adds extra protein, but the bread will still turn out delicious without it.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

This Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread is a deliciously moist and tender treat made with ripe bananas, rich cocoa powder, and a hint of sweetness from a granular sweetener like monk fruit or brown sugar. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oat flour and nut butter, this recipe offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free dessert.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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
• ½ cup (50 g) protein powder (optional, as replacement for ½ cup (50 g) flour)
• ¼ cup (40 g) chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 20 cm (7.9 inches) loaf pan by lining with parchment paper or greasing it with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork until they form a smooth puree.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir the nut butter and eggs into the mashed bananas until well incorporated.
4. Add Sweetener and Flavors: Add the granular sweetener, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the wet mixture. Whisk or stir vigorously for about two minutes to combine everything evenly.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and protein powder if using. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and, if desired, sprinkle 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.
8. Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Protein powder can be used to replace half of the oat flour for added protein content; choose unflavored or chocolate-flavored for best results.
• Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Sweetener choice can be adjusted according to dietary preferences, such as monk fruit for a low-calorie option or brown sugar for a more traditional taste.
• Loaf pan size: using a 20 cm (7.9 inches) pan ensures even baking and proper texture.
• Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender.

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