Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread 

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prep Time: 15 minutes  | Cooking Time: 60 minutes  | Total Time: 75 minutes
  10. Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

FAQ:

1. What ingredients are needed to make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread?

Answer: To make Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Ripe bananas
  • Whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Dark chocolate chips or chunks
  • Optional: Nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)

2. How do you prepare the batter for Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread?

Answer: To prepare the batter:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs, Greek yogurt (or applesauce), honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, and mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips (or chunks) and any optional nuts.

3. How long should Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread be baked, and at what temperature?

Answer: Bake the Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time.

4. Can substitutions be made for dietary restrictions or preferences?

Answer: Yes, you can make several substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences:

  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the whole wheat flour.
  • For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative or unsweetened applesauce instead of Greek yogurt.
  • For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
  • You can also substitute the honey or maple syrup with agave nectar or another liquid sweetener of your choice.

5. How should Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread be stored and served?

Answer: To store Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread:

  • Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
  • Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

To serve:

  • Slice the bread and enjoy it as is or with a spread of nut butter for added protein.
  • It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a healthy breakfast or snack.

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